Alpha-amylase variant with altered properties

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national application of PCT/DK02/00319 filed May 15, 2002, which claims priority or the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of Danish application nos. PA 2001 00760, PA 2001 00981, PA 2001 00982, PA 2001 00998, PA 2001 00999 and PA 2001 01443 filed May 15, 2001, Jun. 22, 2001, Jun. 22, 2001, Jun. 26, 2001, Jun. 26, 2001, and Oct. 2, 2001, respectively and of U.S. provisional application Nos. 60/296,631, 60/302,391, 60/302,392, 60/302,395, 60/302,570, and 60/326,750, filed Jun. 7, 2001, Jun. 29, 2001, Jul. 2, 2001, Jul. 2, 2001, Jul. 2, 2001, and Oct. 3, 2001, respectively, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a variant of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase:

Substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH activity profile, pH stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca²⁺ dependency, reduced and increased pI and improved wash performance, specific activity, stability under, e.g., high temperature and/or low pH conditions, in particular at low calcium concentrations. The variant of the invention are suitable for starch conversion, ethanol production, laundry wash, dish wash, hard surface cleaning, textile desizing, and/or sweetner production.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Alpha-Amylases (alpha-1,4-glucan-4-glucanohydrolases, E.C. 3.2.1.1) constitute a group of enzymes, which catalyze hydrolysis of starch and other linear and branched 1,4-glucosidic oligo- and polysaccharides.

BRIEF DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant in comparison to the corresponding parent alpha-amylase, i.e., un-mutated alpha-amylase, has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the above mentioned properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase.

Nomenclature

In the present description and claims, the conventional one-letter and three-letter codes for amino acid residues are used. For ease of reference, alpha-amylase variants of the invention are described by use of the following nomenclature:

Original amino acid(s): position(s): substituted amino acid(s)

According to this nomenclature, for instance the substitution of alanine for asparagine in position 30 is shown as:

Ala30Asn or A30N

a deletion of alanine in the same position is shown as:

Ala30* or A30*

and insertion of an additional amino acid residue, such as lysine, is shown as:

Ala30AlaLys or A30AK

A deletion of a consecutive stretch of amino acid residues, such as amino acid residues 30-33, is indicated as (30-33)* or Δ(A30-N33).

Where a specific alpha-amylase contains a “deletion” in comparison with other alpha-amylases and an insertion is made in such a position this is indicated as:

*36Asp or *36D

for insertion of an aspartic acid in position 36.

Multiple mutations are separated by plus signs, i.e.:

Ala30Asp+Glu34Ser or A30N+E34S

representing mutations in positions 30 and 34 substituting alanine and glutamic acid for asparagine and serine, respectively.

When one or more alternative amino acid residues may be inserted in a given position it is indicated as

A30N,E or

A30N or A30E

Furthermore, when a position suitable for modification is identified herein without any specific modification being suggested, it is to be understood that any amino acid residue may be substituted for the amino acid residue present in the position. Thus, for instance, when a modification of an alanine in position 30 is mentioned, but not specified, it is to be understood that the alanine may be deleted or substituted for any other amino acid, i.e., any one of:

-   R,N,D,A,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V.     Further, “A30X” means any one of the following substitutions: -   A30R, A30N, A30D, A30C, A30Q, A30E, A30G, A30H, A30I, A30L, A30K,     A30M, A30F, A30P, A30S, A30T, A30W, A30Y, or A30 V; or in short:     A30R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V.

If the parent enzyme—used for the numbering—already has the amino acid residue in question suggested for substitution in that position the following nomenclature is used:

-   -   “X30N” or “X30N,V” in the case where for instance one or N or V         is present in the wildtype.         Thus, it means that other corresponding parent enzymes are         substituted to an “Asn” or “Val” in position 30.         Characteristics of Amino Acid Residues         Charged Amino Acids:

-   Asp, Glu, Arg, Lys, His     Negatively Charged Amino Acids (with the Most Negative Residue     First):

-   Asp, Glu     Positively Charged Amino Acids (with the Most Positive Residue     First):

-   Arg, Lys, His     Neutral Amino Acids:

-   Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, lie, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Met, Cys, Asn, Gln, Ser,     Thr, Pro     Hydrophobic Amino Acid Residues (With The Most Hydrophobic Residue     Listed Last):

-   Gly, Ala, Val, Pro, Met, Leu, lie, Tyr, Phe, Trp,     Hydrophilic Amino Acids (with the Most Hydrophilic Residue Listed     Last):

-   Thr, Ser, Cys, Gln, Asn

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an alignment of the amino acid sequences of five parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases. The numbers on the extreme left designate the respective amino acid sequences as follows:

-   1: SEQ ID NO: 4 (SP722) -   2: SEQ ID NO: 2 (SP690) -   3: SEQ ID NO: 10 (BAN) -   4: SEQ ID NO: 8 (BLA) -   5: SEQ ID NO: 6 (BSG).

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a Termamyl-like amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH activity profile, pH stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca²⁺ dependency, specific activity, stability under, e.g., high temperature and/or low pH conditions, in particular at low calcium concentrations.

Termamyl-Like Alpha-Amylases

A number of alpha-amylases produced by Bacillus spp. are highly homologous (identical) on the amino acid level.

The identity of a number of known Bacillus alpha-amylases can be found in the below Table 1:

TABLE 1 Percent identity 707 AP1378 BAN BSG SP690 SP722 AA560 Termamyl 707 100.0 86.4 66.9 66.5 87.6 86.2 95.5 68.1 AP1378 86.4 100.0 67.1 68.1 95.1 86.6 86.0 69.4 BAN 66.9 67.1 100.0 65.6 67.1 68.8 66.9 80.7 BSG 66.5 68.1 65.6 100.0 67.9 67.1 66.3 65.4 SP690 87.6 95.1 67.1 67.9 100.0 87.2 87.0 69.2 SP722 86.2 86.6 68.8 67.1 87.2 100.0 86.8 70.8 AA560 95.5 86.0 66.9 66.3 87.0 86.8 100.0 68.3 Termamyl 68.1 69.4 80.7 65.4 69.2 70.8 68.3 100.0

For instance, the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase (BLA) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 (commercially available as Termamyl™) has been found to be about 81% homologous with the B. amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10 and about 65% homologous with the B. stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (BSG) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6. Further homologous alpha-amylases include SP690 and SP722 disclosed in WO 95/26397 and further depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 4, respectively, herein. Other amylases are the AA560 alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus sp. and shown in SEQ ID NO: 12, and the #707 alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus sp., shown in SEQ ID NO: 13 and described by Tsukamoto et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 151 (1988), pp. 25-31.

The KSM AP1378 alpha-amylase is disclosed in WO 97/00324 (from KAO Corporation).

Still further homologous alpha-amylases include the alpha-amylase produced by the B. lichenformis strain described in EP 0252666. (ATCC 27811), and the alpha-amylases identified in WO 91/00353 and WO 94/18314. Other commercial Termamyl-like alpha-amylases are comprised in the products sold under the following tradenames: Optitherm™ and Takatherm™ (Solvay); Maxamyl™ (available from Gist-brocades/Genencor), Spezym AA™ and Spezyme Delta AA™ (available from Genencor), and Keistase™ (available from Daiwa), Dex Io, GC 521 (available from Genencor) and Ultraphlow (from Enzyme Biosystems).

Because of the substantial homology found between these alpha-amylases, they are considered to belong to the same class of alpha-amylases, namely the class of “Termamyl-like alpha-amylases”.

Accordingly, in the present context, the term “Termamyl-like” alpha-amylase” is intended to indicate an alpha-amylase, in particular Bacillus alpha-amylase, especially Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase, which, at the amino acid level, exhibits a substantial identity to Termamyl™, i.e., the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, herein.

In other words, all the following alpha-amylases, which has the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 herein are considered to be “Termamyl-like alpha-amylase”. Other Termamyl-like alpha-amylases are alpha-amylases i) which displays at least 60%, such as at least 70%, e.g., at least 75%, or at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% homology (identity) with at least one of said amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13, and/or is encoded by a DNA sequence which hybridizes to the DNA sequences encoding the above-specified alpha-amylases which are apparent from SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and of the present specification (which encoding sequences encode the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 herein, respectively).

Homology (Identity)

The homology may be determined as the degree of identity between the two sequences indicating a derivation of the first sequence from the second. The homology nay suitably be determined by means of computer programs known in the art such as GAP provided in the GCG program package (described above). Thus, Gap GCGv8 may be used with the default scoring matrix for identity and the following default parameters: GAP creation penalty of 5.0 and GAP extension penalty of 0.3, respectively for nucleic acidic sequence comparison, and GAP creation penalty of 3.0 and GAP extension penalty of 0.1, respectively, for protein sequence comparison. GAP uses the method of Needleman and Wunsch, (1970), J.Mol. Biol. 48, p. 443-453, to make alignments and to calculate the identity.

A structural alignment between Termamyl (SEQ ID NO: 8) and, e.g., another alpha-amylase may be used to identify equiva-lent/corresponding positions in other Termamyl-like alpha-amylases. One method of obtaining said structural alignment is to use the Pile Up programme from the GCG package using default values of gap penalties, i.e., a gap creation penalty of 3.0 and gap extension penalty of 0.1. Other structural alignment methods include the hydrophobic cluster analysis (Gaboriaud et al., (1987), FEBS LETTERS 224, pp. 149-155) and reverse threading (Huber, T; Torda, AE, PROTEIN SCIENCE Vol. 7, No. 1 pp. 142-149 (1998).

Hybridisation

The oligonucleotide probe used in the characterisation of the Termamyl-like alpha-amylase above may suitably be prepared on the basis of the full or partial nucleotide or amino acid sequence of the alpha-amylase in question.

Suitable conditions for testing hybridisation involve pre-soaking in 5×SSC and prehybridizing for 1 hour at 40° C. in a solution of 20% formamide, 5×Denhardt's solution, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8, and 50 mg of denatured sonicated calf thymus DNA, followed by hybridisation in the same solution supplemented with 100 mM ATP for 18 hours at 40° C., followed by three times washing of the filter in 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 40° C. for 30 minutes (low stringency), preferred at 50° C. (medium stringency), more preferably at 65° C. (high stringency), even more preferably at 75° C. (very high stringency). More details about the hybridisation method can be found in Sambrook et al., Molecular_Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor, 1989.

In the present context, “derived from” is intended not only to indicate an alpha-amylase produced or producible by a strain of the organism in question, but also an alpha-amylase encoded by a DNA sequence isolated from such strain and produced in a host organism transformed with said DNA sequence. Finally, the term is intended to indicate an alpha-amylase, which is encoded by a DNA sequence of synthetic and/or cDNA origin and which has the identifying characteristics of the alpha-amylase in question. The term is also intended to indicate that the parent alpha-amylase may be a variant of a naturally occurring alpha-amylase, i.e., a variant, which is the result of a modification (insertion, substitution, deletion) of one or more amino acid residues of the naturally occurring alpha-amylase.

Parent Termamyl-Like Alpha-Amylases

According to the invention any Termamy-like alpha-amylase, as defined above, may be used as the parent (i.e., backbone) alpha-amylase. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the parent alpha-amylase is derived from B. licheniformis, e.g., one of those referred to above, such as the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8.

Parent Hybrid Termamyl-Like Alpha-Amylases

The parent alpha-amylase (i.e., backbone alpha-amylase) may also be a hybrid alpha-amylase, i.e., an alpha-amylase, which comprises a combination of partial amino acid sequences derived from at least two alpha-amylases.

The parent hybrid alpha-amylase may be one, which on the basis of amino acid homology (identity) and/or DNA hybridization (as defined above) can be determined to belong to the Termamyl-like alpha-amylase family. In this case, the hybrid alpha-amylase is typically composed of at least one part of a Termamyl-like alpha-amylase and part(s) of one or more other alpha-amylases selected from Termamyl-like alpha-amylases or non-Termamyl-like alpha-amylases of microbial (bacterial or fungal) and/or mammalian origin.

Thus, the parent hybrid alpha-amylase may comprise a combination of partial amino acid sequences deriving from at least two Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, or from at least one Termamyl-like and at least one non-Termamyl-like bacterial alpha-amylase, or from at least one Termamyl-like and at least one fungal alpha-amylase. The Termamyl-like alpha-amylase from which a partial amino acid sequence derives, may be any of the specific Termamyl-like alpha-amylase referred to herein.

For instance, the parent alpha-amylase may comprise a C-terminal part of an alpha-amylase derived from a strain of B. licheniformis, and a N-terminal part of an alpha-amylase derived from a strain of B. amyloliquefaciens or from a strain of B. stearothermophilus (BSG). For instance, the parent alpha-amylase may comprise at least 430 amino add residues of the C-terminal part of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase, and may, e.g., comprise a) an amino acid segment corresponding to the 37 N-terminal amino acid residues of the B. amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10 and an amino acid segment corresponding to the 445 C-terminal amino add residues of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, or a hybrid Termamyl-like alpha-amylase being identical to the Termamyl sequence, i.e., the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, except that the N-terminal 35 amino acid residues (of the mature protein) has been replaced by the N-terminal 33 residues of BAN (mature protein), i.e., the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; or b) an amino acid segment corresponding to the 68 N-terminal amino acid residues of the B. stearothermophilus alpha-amylase having the amino add sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and an amino acid segment corresponding to the 415 C-terminal amino add residues of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8.

Another suitable parent hybrid alpha-amylase is the one previously described in WO 96/23874 (from Novo Nordisk) constituting the N-terminus of BAN, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase (amino acids 1-300 of the mature protein) and the C-terminus from Termamyl (amino acids 301-483 of the mature protein).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase is a hybrid alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 8 and SEQ ID NO: 10. Specifically, the parent hybrid Termamyl-like alpha-amylase may be a hybrid alpha-amylase comprising the 445 C-terminal amino acid residues of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 and the 37 N-terminal amino acid residues of the alpha-amylase derived from B. amyloliquefaciens shown in SEQ ID NO: 10, which may suitably further have the following mutations: H156Y+A181T+N190F+A209V+Q264S (using the numbering in SEQ ID NO: 8). The latter mentioned hybrid is used in the examples below and is referred to as LE174.

Other specifically contemplated parent alpha-amylase include LE174 with fewer mutations, i.e., the right above mentioned hydrid having the following mutations:

-   A181T+N190F+A209V+Q264S; N190F+A209V+Q264S; A209V+Q264S; Q264S;     H156Y+N 190F+A209V+Q264S; H156Y+A209V+Q264S; H 156Y+Q264S;     H156Y+A181T+A209V+Q264S; H156Y+A181T+Q264S; H156Y+Q264S;     H156Y+A181T+N190F+Q264S; H156Y+A181T+N190F; H156Y+A181T+N190F+A209V.     These hybrids are also considered to be part of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment the parent Termamyl-like alpha amylase is LE174, SP722, or AA560 including any of LE174+G48A+T49I+G107A+I201F; LE174+M197L; LE174+G48A+T49I+G107A+M197L+I201F, or SP722+D183*+G184*; SP722+D183*+G184*+N195F; SP722+D183*+G184*+M202L; SP722+D183*+G184*+N195F+M202L; BSG+I181*+G182*; BSG+I181*+G182*+N193F; BSG+I181*+G182*+M200L; BSG+I181*+G182*+N193F+M200L; AA560+D183*+G184*; AA560+D183*+G184*+N195F; AA560+D183*+G184*+M202L; AA560+D183*+G184*+N195F+M202L.

-   “BSG+I181*+G182*+N193F” means the B. stearothermophilus     alpha-amylase has been mutated as follows: deletions in positions     I181 and G182 and a substitution from Asn (N) to Phe (F) in position     193.

Other parent alpha-amylases contemplated include LE429, which is LE174 with an additional substitution in I201F. According to the invention LE335 is the alpha-amylase, which in comparison to LE429 has additional substitutions in T49I+G107A; LE399 is LE335+G48A, i.e., LE174, with G48A+T49I+G107A+I201F.

Altered Properties

The following section describes the relationship between mutations, which are present in a variant of the invention, and desirable alterations in properties (relative to those of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase), which may result therefrom.

As mentioned above the invention relates to a Termamyl-like alpha-amylase with altered properties.

Parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylaseS specifically contemplated in connection with going through the specifically contemplated altered properties are the above mentioned parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase and parent hydrid Termamyl-like alpha-amylases.

The Bacillus lichenifomis alpha-amylase (SEQ ID NO: 8, is used as the starting point, but corresponding positions in, e.g, the SP722, BSG, BAN, AA560, SP690, KSM AP1378, and #707 should be understood as disclosed and specifically contemplated too.

In an aspect the invention relates to variant with altered properties as mentioned above.

In the first aspect a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, comprising an alteration at one or more positions (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the amino acid numbering) selected from the group of:

-   5, 6, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 45, 47, 63, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72,74, 75, 76,     79, 82, 83, 86, 87, 89, 93, 112, 113, 117, 120, 137, 213, 216, 220,     223, 225, 226, 227, 229, 243, 245, 279, 282, 311, 321, 324, 352,     353, 354, 357, 361, 362, 364, 368, 390, 395, 397, 399, 400, 401,     425, 451, 452, 453, 466, 468, 470, 471,478,     wherein -   (a) the alteration(s) are independently

(i) an insertion of an amino acid downstream of the amino acid which occupies the position,

(ii) a deletion of the amino acid which occupies the position, or

(iii) a substitution of the amino acid which occupies the position with a different amino acid,

-   (b) the variant has alpha-amylase activity and (c) each position     corresponds to a position of the amino add sequence of the parent     Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in     SEQ ID NO: 8.

In the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 the positions to be mutates are one or more of:

-   G5, T6, G36, I37, T38, A39, I42, A45, K47, D63, E66, Q69, K70, G71,     T72, R74, T75, K76, T79, E82, L83, A86, I87, S89, R93, T112, E113,     A117, V120, A137, K213, G216, A220, L223, L225, D226, G227, R229,     D243, V245, F279, S282, T311, V321, V324, L352, T353, R354, G357,     V361; F362, G364, G368, A390, A395, G397, Q399, H400, D401, A425,     D451, I452, T453, G466, G468, F470, H471, S478.

In the first aspect the invention also relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the amino acid numbering) selected from the group of:

-   7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19, 21, 22, 25, 32, 40, 41, 46, 48, 55, 57, 58, 60,     77, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 115, 118, 135,     139, 141, 143, 151, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 166, 175, 177, 183,     186, 187, 192, 199, 200, 202, 203, 208, 212, 215, 219, 228, 230,     233, 236, 238, 240, 241, 244, 248, 256, 258, 259, 260, 262, 270,     273, 274, 277, 281, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 292, 295,     296, 304, 307, 312, 313, 320, 322, 323, 325, 326, 478,327, 329, 331,     339, 343, 344, 346, 347, 349, 350, 359, 360, 369, 377, 380, 387,     409, 410, 411, 412, 423, 424, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 438,440, 441,     449, 462, 472, 477, 479, 480, 481     wherein -   (a) the variant has alpha-amylase activity and (b) each position     corresponds to a position of the amino acid sequence of the parent     Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in     SEQ ID NO: 8.

In the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 the positions to be mutated are one or more of:

-   L7, M8, Q9, F11, E12, G19, H21, W22, L25, L32, V40, W41, Y46, G48,     G55, G57, A58, D60, Y77, I95, V97, Y98, G99, D100, V101, V102, I103,     H105, G107, V115, V118, I135, T139, F141, F143, S151, H159, F160,     D161, G162, T163, D166, Y175, F177, D183, V186, S187, N192, A199,     D200, D202, Y203, V208, I212, W215, Y219, F228, L230, V233, I236,     F238, F240, L241, W244, V248, M256, T258, V259, A260, Y262, L270,     Y273, L274, T277, H281, V283, F284, D285, V286, P287, L288, H289,     F292, A295, S296, M304, L307, V312, V313, S320, T322, F323, D325,     N326, H327, T329, P331, V339, F343, K344, L346, A347, A349, F350,     P359, Q360, T369, I377, L380, I387, V409, G410, W411, T412, G423,     S478, L424, A426, L427, I428, T429, D430, M438, V440, G441, W449,     I462, V472, V477, I479, Y480, V481

Specific substitutions contemplated are:

-   X7A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,Y,V; -   X8C,M; -   X9A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X11A,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X12A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X19A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X21A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X22A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X25A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X32A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X40A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X41A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X46A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X48R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,F,P,W,Y; -   X55A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X57R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,W; -   X58A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,S,T,W,Y; -   X60A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X77A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X95A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X97A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X98A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X99R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X100A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X101A,N,C,Q,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X102N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X103A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,M,P,S,W,Y; -   X105A,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X107R,N,D,Q,E,H,K,M,F,P,W,Y; -   X115R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X118R,N,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X135A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X139A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X141A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X143A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X151A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X159A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X160A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X161A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X162A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X163A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X166A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X175A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X177A,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X183A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X186A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X187A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X192A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X199R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X200A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X202A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X203A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P; -   X208A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X212A,N,C,Q,G,H,M,P,S,T,V; -   X215A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X219A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X228A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X230A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,L,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X233R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X236A,C,Q,G,H,I,M,P,S,T,V; -   X238A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X240A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X241A,N,C,Q,G,H,P,S,T,V; -   X244A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X248A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X256C,M; -   X258A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X259A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X260R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X262A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X270A,N,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X273A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,Y; -   X274A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X277A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X281A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X283A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X284A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X285A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X286A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,l,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; preferably -   X286N,C,Q,I,L,M,P,T,V,Y,F; -   X287R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X288A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X289A,R,N,D,C,Q,E;G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X292A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X295A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X296A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X304C,M; -   X307A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X312A,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X313A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X320R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X322R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X323A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X325A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X326A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,M,P,S,T,W; -   X327A,R,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X329A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X331N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X339A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X343A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X344A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X346A,R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X347A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X349R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X350A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X359R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X360N,D,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X369A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X377A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X380A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X387A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X409N,C,Q,E,G,H,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X410A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X411A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X412R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X423A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X424A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X426A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X427A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X428A,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X429A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X430A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X438C,M; -   X440R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X441A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X449A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X462A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X472A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X477A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X479A,R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X480A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X481A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V     where each position corresponds to a position of the amino acid     sequence of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino     acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 (Bacillus licheniformis     alpha-amylase).

Also according to the first aspect, the invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the amino acid numbering) selected from the group of:

-   1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 34, 35, 49, 50, 51,     52, 53, 61, 62, 67, 68, 73, 84, 85, 88, 91, 92, 96, 106, 108, 114,     116, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131,     132, 133, 134, 136, 138, 145, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154,     155, 156, 157, 158, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173,     176, 179, 180, 181, 182, 184, 185, 188, 189,190, 191, 193, 196, 198,     204, 205, 206, 209, 210, 211, 214, 217, 218, 221, 222, 234, 235,     237, 239, 242, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 257,     261, 263, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 271, 272, 275, 276, 278, 280,     290, 291, 293, 294, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 305, 306,     308, 309, 310, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 328, 332, 333, 334,     335, 336, 337, 338, 340, 341, 342, 345, 355, 358, 363, 370, 371,     373, 374, 375, 376, 378, 379, 381, 389, 393, 394, 396, 398, 402,     403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419,     420, 421, 422, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 439, 442, 443,     444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 450, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460,     461, 463, 464, 465, 467, 469, 473, 474, 475, 476, 482, 483     wherein -   (a) the variant has alpha-amylase activity and (b) each position     corresponds to a position of the amino acid sequence of the parent     Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in     SEQ ID NO: 8.

In the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 the positions to be mutated are one or more of:

-   A1, N2, L3, N4, W13, Y14, P16, N17, D18, Q20, R23, R24, Q26, E34,     H35, T49, S50, Q51, A52, D53, L61, Y62, F67, H68, V73, Q84, S85,     K88, H91, S92, N96, K106, G108, D114, T116, E119, D121, P122, A123,     D124, R125, N126, R127, V128, I129, S130, G131, E132, H133, L134,     K136, W138, G145, G147, S148, T149, Y150, D152, F153, K154, W155,     H156, W157, Y158, D164, W165, E167, S168, R169, K170, L171, N172,     R173, K176, G179, K180, A181, W182, W184, E185, N188, E189, N190,     G191, Y193, L196, Y198, D204, H205, P206, A209, A210, E211, R214,     T217, W218, N221, E222, K234, H235, K237, S239, R242, N246, H247,     R249, E250, K251, T252, G253, K254, E255, F257, E261, W263, N265,     D266, L267, G268, A269, E271, N272, N275, K276, N278, N280, Y290,     Q291, H293, A294, T297, Q298, G299, G300, G301, Y302, D303, R305,     K306, L308, N309, G310, S314, K315, H316, P317, L318, K319, D328,     G332, Q333, S334, L335, E336, S337, T338, Q340, T341, W342, P345,     E355, Y358, Y363, K370, G371, S373, Q374, R375, E376, P378, A379,     K381, K389, Q393, Y394, Y396, A398, Y402, F403, D404, H405, H406,     D407, I408, R413, E414, G415, D416, S417, S418, V419, A420, N421,     S422, G431, P432, G433, G434, A435, K436, R437, Y439, R442, Q443,     N444, A445, G446, E447, T448, H450, G454, N455, R456, S457, E458,     P459, V460, V461, N463, S464, E465, W467, E469, N473, G474, G475,     S476, Q482, R483.

Specific substitutions contemplated are:

-   X1A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X2R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X3A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X4A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X13R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,W; -   X14A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   X16R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X17A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X18A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X20A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X23A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X24A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X26A,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X34A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X35A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X49A,C,G,H,P,T; -   X50A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,F,P,S,W; -   X51A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X52A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,P; -   X53A,D,C,G,H,K,M,P; -   X61A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y; -   X62A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,Y; -   X67A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X68A,R,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X73A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X84A,R,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X85A,R,N,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X88A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X91A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X92A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X96A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X106A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X108R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X114A,N,C,Q,E,G,H,K,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X116A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X119A,R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X121A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X122R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X123N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X124N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X125R,N,Q,E,G,I,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y; -   X126N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X127A,R,N,D,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X128A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X129A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X130A,R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X131A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X132R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,W,Y; -   X133R,N,D,C,M,T,W,V; -   X134A,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X136A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X138R,N,D,Q,E,G,I,K,M,P,S,T,W,V; -   X145A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X147A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X148A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X149A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X150A,D,C,G,M,P,W,Y; -   X152A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X153A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X154A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X155A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X156A,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X157R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X158R,M,P,W,Y; -   X164R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X165A,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X167A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X168A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,V; -   X169A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,M,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X170A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X171A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X172A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X173A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,M,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X176A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X179D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X180A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X181G; -   X182A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X184,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X185R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X188A,R,N,Q,G,H,L,M,F,W,V; -   X189A,R,N,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X190N; -   X191A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X193A,R,G,M,P,W,Y; -   X196A,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,V; -   X198A,R,G,M,P,W; -   X204R,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X205A,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X206R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X209R,P,S,W,Y; -   X210A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X211E; -   X214A,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X217A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X218A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X221A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X222A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X234A,D,C,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X235A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X237A,G,H,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   X239G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X242G,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X246A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X247R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X249A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X250A,R,N,D,C,E,H,I,L,K,M,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X251R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X252A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X253R,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X254A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X255A,R,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X257A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X261A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X263A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X265C,Q,E,H,I,L,M,F,P,W; -   X266A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X267A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X268A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X269A,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X271A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X272A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X275A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X276A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X278A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X280A,R,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X290W,Y; -   X291A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X293A,R,N,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,V; -   X294R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   X297A,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X298G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X299A,G,H,M,P,S,T; -   X300A,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X301N,Q,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X302R,M,P,W,Y; -   X303R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X305G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X306Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X308A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X309N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X310A,R,N,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X314A,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X315A,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X316A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X317R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X318A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X319A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X328A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X332A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X333A,N,D,C,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   X334R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y; -   X335R,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X336A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X337A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X338A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X340I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X341A,R,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,W,Y,V; -   X342R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X345R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X355A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X358A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X363A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X370A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X371A,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X373A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X374A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X375A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X376A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X378R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X379A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X381A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X389A,D,C,G,H,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X393A,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X394A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X396A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X398A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   X402R,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X403A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X404R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X405R,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X406A,R,G,H,I,M,F,P,Y,V; -   X407A,R,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X408A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X413A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X414A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X415A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X416A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X417A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X418A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X419A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X420A,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X421A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X422A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X431A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X432G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X433A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X434A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X435Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   X436A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X437A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X439A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W,Y; -   X442A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X443A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X444A,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X445A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X446A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X447A,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X448A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X450A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   X454A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X455A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X456A,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X457A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,W,Y,V; -   X458A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X459R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,W,Y,V; -   X460A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X461A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   X463A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X464A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X465A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X467A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X469A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X473N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X474A,R,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   X475A,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X476G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X482A,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   X483A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V     where each position corresponds to a position of the amino acid     sequence of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino     acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 (Bacillus licheniformis     alpha-amylase).

Specifically contemplated according to the invention invention is substitution at position 183 and/or 184 (using SEQ ID NO: 2 (SP690) for the amino acid numbering) with any amino acid, i.e. any one of A, R, N, D, C, Q, E, G, H, I, L, K, M, F, P, S, T, W, Y or V.

Also in the first aspect the invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, comprising an alteration at one or more positions (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the amino acid numbering) selected from the group of:

-   1, 3, 4, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 28, 56, 61, 62, 67, 68, 80, 81, 84, 85,     91, 92, 106, 110, 114, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 129,     131, 134, 136, 172, 185, 196, 206, 217, 218, 231, 232, 235, 246,     247, 249, 251, 257, 278, 310, 316, 317, 328, 332, 355, 358, 363,     367, 370, 373, 375, 376, 381, 382, 391, 396, 413, 414, 415, 416,     417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 439, 445, 446, 448, 450, 454, 455,     458, 459, 460, 461, 463, 464, 465, 467     wherein -   (a) the alteration(s) are independently

(i) an insertion of an amino acid downstream of the amino acid which occupies the position, or

(ii) a deletion of the amino acid which occupies the position,

-   (b) the variant has alpha-amylase activity and (c) each position     corresponds to a position of the amino acid sequence of the parent     Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in     SEQ ID NO: 8.

In the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 the positions to be mutated are one or more of:

-   A1, L3, N4, N17, D18, Q20, R23, R24, D28, Y56, L61, Y62, F67, H68,     K80, G81, Q84, S85, H91, S92, K106, D110, D114, E119, D121, P122,     A123, D124, R125, N126, R127, I129, G131, L134, K136, N172, E185,     L196, P206, T217, W218, D231, A232, H235, N246, H247, R249, K251,     F257, N278, G310, H316, P317, D328, G332, E355, Y358, Y363, Y367,     K370, S373, R375, E376, K381, H382, R391, Y396, R413, E414, G415,     D416, S417, S418, V419, A420, N421, S422, Y439, A445, G446, T448,     H450, G454, N455, E458, P459, V460, V461, N463, S464, E465, W467.

Specific insertions/deletions contemplated are:

-   A1 insertion; -   L3 insertion; -   N4 insertion; -   N17 insertion; -   D18 insertion; -   Q20 insertion; -   R23 insertion; -   R24 insertion; -   D28 insertion; -   Y56 insertion; -   L61 insertion or deletion; -   Y62 insertion; -   F67 insertion or deletion; -   H68 insertion; -   K80 insertion or deletion; -   G81 insertion or deletion; -   Q84 insertion; -   S85 insertion; -   H91 insertion or deletion; -   S92 insertion or deletion; -   K106 insertion or deletion; -   D110 insertion or deletion; -   D114 deletion; -   E119 insertion or deletion; -   D121 insertion; -   P122 insertion; -   A123 insertion; -   D124 insertion; -   R125 insertion; -   N126 insertion; -   R127 insertion; -   I129 insertion; -   G131 insertion; -   L134 insertion; -   K136 insertion; -   N172 insertion; -   E185 insertion; -   L196 insertion or deletion; -   P206 insertion or deletion; -   T217 insertion; -   W218 insertion; -   D231 insertion or deletion; -   A232 insertion or deletion; -   H235 insertion or deletion; -   N246 insertion; -   H247 insertion; -   R249 insertion; -   K251 insertion; -   F257 insertion or deletion; -   N278 insertion; -   G310 insertion or deletion; -   H316 insertion; -   P317 insertion; -   D328 insertion or deletion; -   G332 insertion or deletion; -   E355 insertion or deletion; -   Y358 insertion; -   Y363 insertion; -   Y367 insertion; -   K370 insertion; -   S373 insertion; -   R375 insertion; -   E376 insertion; -   K381 insertion; -   H382 insertion; -   R391 insertion or deletion; -   Y396 insertion; -   R413 insertion or deletion; -   E414 insertion or deletion; -   G415 insertion or deletion; -   D416 insertion; -   S417 insertion; -   S418 insertion; -   V419 insertion; -   A420 insertion; -   N421 insertion; -   S422 insertion or deletion; -   Y439 insertion; -   A445 insertion or deletion; -   G446 insertion or deletion; -   T448 insertion or deletion; -   H450 insertion; -   G454 insertion or deletion; -   N455 insertion; -   E458 insertion; -   P459 insertion; -   V460 insertion; -   V461 insertion; -   N463 insertion; -   S464 insertion; -   E465 insertion; -   W467 insertion     where each position corresponds to a position of the amino acid     sequence of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino     acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 (Bacillus licheniformis     alpha-amylase).

Also in the first aspect the invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, comprising an alteration at one or more positions (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the amino acid numbering) selected from the group of:

-   7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 21, 22, 25, 40, 41, 43, 44, 46, 55, 59,     77, 78, 90, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 105, 109, 115, 118, 135,     139, 141, 195, 208, 215, 219, 236, 238, 240, 244, 248, 256, 258,     259, 312, 313, 320, 322, 323, 325, 326, 327, 330, 331, 348, 349,     350, 359, 360, 365, 366, 369, 377, 384, 388, 423, 424, 438, 441,     449, 462, 479, 480, 481     wherein -   (a) the alteration(s) are independently

(i) an insertion of an amino acid downstream of the amino acid which occupies the position, or

(ii) a deletion of the amino acid which occupies the position,

-   (b) the variant has alpha-amylase activity and (c) each position     corresponds to a position of the amino acid sequence of the parent     Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino acid sequence shown in     SEQ ID NO: 8.

In the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 the positions to be mutated are one or more of:

-   L7, M8, Y10, F11, E12, M15, G19, H21, W22, L25, V40, W41, P43, P44,     Y46, G55, Y59, Y77, G78, L90, I95, V97, Y98, G99, D100, V101, V102,     H105, A109, V115, V118, I135, T139, F141, Y195, V208, W215, Y219,     I236, F238, F240, W244, V248, M256, T258, V259, V312, V313, S320,     T322, F323, D325, N326, H327, Q330, P331, Y348, A349, F350, P359,     Q360, D365, M366, T369, I377, I384, L388, G423, L424, M438, G441,     W449, I462, I479, Y480, V481.

Specific insertions/deletions contemplated are:

-   L7 insertion or deletion; -   M8 insertion; -   Y10 insertion; -   F11 insertion; -   E12 insertion or deletion; -   M15 insertion; -   G19 insertion; -   H21 insertion; -   W22 insertion; -   L25 insertion; -   V40 insertion or deletion; -   W41 insertion; -   P43 insertion or deletion; -   P44 insertion or deletion; -   Y46 insertion; -   G55 insertion; -   Y59 insertion; -   Y77 insertion; -   G78 insertion or deletion; -   L90 insertion or deletion; -   I95 insertion; -   V97 insertion; -   Y98 insertion; -   G99 insertion; -   D100 insertion; -   V101 insertion; -   V102 insertion; -   H105 insertion or deletion; -   A109 insertion or deletion; -   V115 insertion or deletion; -   V118 insertion or deletion; -   I135 insertion; -   T139 insertion or deletion; -   F141 insertion or deletion; -   Y195 insertion; -   V208 insertion or deletion; -   W215 insertion; -   Y219 insertion; -   I236 insertion or deletion; -   F238 insertion or deletion; -   F240 insertion or deletion; -   W244 insertion; -   V248 insertion; -   M256 insertion; -   T258 insertion or deletion; -   V259 insertion or deletion; -   V312 insertion or deletion; -   V313 insertion or deletion; -   S320 insertion; -   T322 insertion or deletion; -   F323 insertion or deletion; -   D325 insertion or deletion; -   N326 insertion; -   H327 insertion or deletion; -   Q330 insertion or deletion; -   P331 insertion or deletion; -   Y348 insertion; -   A349 insertion or deletion; -   F350 insertion or deletion; -   P359 insertion or deletion; -   Q360 insertion; -   D365 insertion or deletion; -   M366 insertion; -   T369 insertion; -   I377 insertion; -   I384 insertion or deletion; -   L388 insertion or deletion; -   G423 insertion or deletion; -   L424 insertion or deletion; -   M438 insertion; -   G441 insertion or deletion; -   W449 insertion; -   I462 insertion; -   I479 insertion or deletion; -   Y480 insertion; -   V481 insertion or deletion;     where each position corresponds to a position of the amino acid     sequence of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase having the amino     acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 (Bacillus licheniformis     alpha-amylase).

Corresponding positions in other parent alpha-amylases can be found by alignment as described above and shown in the alignment in FIG. 1.

Stability

In the context of the present invention, mutations (including amino acid substitutions and deletion) of importance with respect to achieving altered stability, in particular improved stability (i.e., higher or lower), at especially high temperatures (i.e., 70-120° C.) and/or extreme pH (i.e. low or high pH, i.e, pH 4-6 or pH 8-11, respectively), in particular at free (i.e., unbound, therefore in solution) calcium concentrations below 60 ppm, include any of the mutations listed in the “Altered Properties” section. The stability may be determined as described in the “Materials & Methods” section below.

Ca²⁺ Stability

Altered Ca²⁺ stability means the stability of the enzyme under Ca²⁺ depletion has been improved, i.e., higher or lower stability. In the context of the present invention, mutations (including amino acid substitutions and deletions) of importance with respect to achieving altered Ca²⁺ stability, in particular improved Ca²⁺ stability, i.e., higher or lower stability, at especially high pH (i.e., pH 8-10.5) include any of the mutations listed in the in “Altered properties” section.

Specific Activity

In a further aspect of the present invention, important mutations (including amino acid substitutions and deletions) with respect to obtaining variants exhibiting altered specific activity, in particular increased or decreased specific activity, especially at temperatures from 10-60° C., preferably 20-50° C., especially 30-40° C., include any of the mutations listed in the in “Altered properties” section. The specific activity may be determined as described in the “Material & Methods” section below.

Oxidation Stability

Variants of the invention may have altered oxidation stability, in particular higher oxidation stability, in comparison to the parent alpha-amylase. Increased oxidation stability is advantageous in, e.g., detergent compositions and descresed oxidation stability may be advantageous in composition for starch liquefaction. Oxidation stability may be determined as described in the “Material & Methods” section below.

Altered pH Profile

Important positions and mutations with respect to obtaining variants with altered pH profile, in particular improved activity at especially high pH (i.e., pH 8-10.5) or low pH (i.e., pH 4-6) include mutations of amino residues located close to the active site residues.

Preferred specific mutations/substitutions are the ones listed above in the section “Altered Properties” for the positions in question. Suitable assays are described in the “Materials & Methods” section below.

Wash Performance

Important positions and mutations with respect to obtaining variants with improved wash performance at especially high pH (i.e., pH 8.5-11) include the specific mutations/substitutions listed above in the section “Altered Properties” for the positions in question. The wash performance may be tested as described below in the “Materials & Methods” section.

Increased pI

Substitutions Resulting in Higher pI

In an aspect the invention relates to a variant with a higher pi than the parent alpha-amylase. Such variants are suitable when adjusting the pI to the washing conditions of various detergents. This means that if the pI of the parent alpha-amylase is below the pH in the washing solution the target is to increase the pI to the pH of the washing solution. Such variant may be prepared by making the following kind of substitutions:

-   1) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned negatively     charged amino acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a     positively charged amino acid residue. -   2) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned neutral amino     acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a positively charged     amino acid residue; -   3) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned negatively     charged amino acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a neutral     amino acid residue; -   4) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned positively     charged amino acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a more     positively charged amino acid residue;

Variants of the invention with increased pi in comparison to the parent alpha-amylase may have improved wash performance. Wash performance tests may be carried out as described in the “Materials & Method” section.

Thus, variants of the invention include (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the numbering):

-   G5R,K,H; -   T6R,K,H; -   G36R,K,H; -   I37R,K,H; -   T38R,K,H; -   A39R,K,H; -   I42R,K,H; -   A45R,K,H; -   D63A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E66A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q69R,K,H; -   G71R,K,H; -   T72R,K,H; -   T75R,K,H; -   T79R,K,H; -   E82A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L83R,K,H; -   A86R,K,H; -   I87R,K,H; -   S89R,K,H; -   T112R,K,H; -   E113A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A117R,K,H; -   V120R,K,H; -   A137R,K,H; -   G216R,K,H; -   A220R,K,H; -   L223R,K,H; -   L225R,K,H; -   D226A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G227R,K,H; -   D243A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V245R,K,H; -   F279R,K,H; -   S282R,K,H; -   T311R,K,H; -   V321R,K,H; -   V324R,K,H; -   L352R,K,H; -   T353R,K,H; -   G357R,K,H; -   V361R,K,H; -   F362R,K,H; -   G364R,K;H; -   G368R,K,H; -   A390R,K,H; -   A395R,K,H; -   G397R,K,H; -   Q399R,K,H; -   H400R,K,H; -   D401A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A425R,K,H; -   D451A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I452R,K,H; -   T453R,K,H; -   G466R,K,H; -   G468R,K,H; -   F470R,K,H; -   S478R,K,H. -   L7R,K,H; -   Q9R,H,; -   F11H; -   E12A,R,N,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G19R,K,H; -   W22R,K,H; -   L25R,K,H; -   L32R,K,H; -   V40R,K,H; -   W41 R,K,H; -   Y46R,K; -   G48R,K,H; -   G55R,K,H; -   G57R,K,H; -   A58R,K,H; -   D60A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y77R,K; -   195R,K,H; -   V97R,K,H; -   Y98R,K,; -   G99R,K,H; -   D100A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V102H; -   G107R,K,H; -   V115R,K,H; -   V118R,K,H; -   I135R,K,H; -   T139R,K,H; -   F141R,K,H; -   F143R,K,H; -   S151R,K,H; -   F160R,K,H; -   D161R,K,H; -   G162R,K,H; -   T163R,K,H; -   D166A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y175R,K,; -   F177K,H; -   D183A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V186R,K,H; -   S187R,K,H; -   N192R,K,H; -   A199R,K,H; -   D200A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D202A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y203R,K; -   V208R,K,H; -   I212H; -   W215R,K,H; -   Y219R,K; -   F228R,K,H; -   L230R; -   V233R,K,H; -   I236H; -   F238R,K,H; -   F240R,K,H; -   L241H; -   W244R,K,H; -   V248R,K,H; -   T258R,K,H; -   V259R,K,H; -   A260R,K,H; -   Y262R,K; -   Y273R,K; -   L274R,K,H; -   T277R,K,H; -   H281R,K; -   V283R,K; -   F284RK; -   D285A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V286R,K,H; -   P287R,H; -   I288R,K,H; -   H289R,K; -   F292R,K,H; -   A295R,K,H; -   S296R,K,H; -   L307R,K,H; -   V312H; -   V313R,K,H; -   S320R,K,H; -   T322R,K,H; -   F323R,K; -   D325A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N326R; -   T329R,K,H; -   P331H; -   V339R,H,K; -   F343R,H,K; -   K344H; -   L346R,K,H; -   A347R,K,H; -   A349R,K,H; -   F350R,K,H; -   P359R,K,H; -   Q360H; -   T369R,K,H; -   I377R,K,H; -   L380RK,H; -   I387R,K,H; -   V409H; -   G410R,K,H; -   W411R,K,H; -   T412R,K,H; -   G423R,K,H; -   L424R,K,H; -   A426R,K,H; -   L427R,K,H; -   I428H; -   T429R,K,H; -   D430A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V440R,K,H; -   G441R,K,H; -   W449R,K,H; -   I462R,K,H; -   V472R,K,H; -   V477R,K,H; -   I479R,K,H; -   Y480R,K; -   V481R,K,H. -   A1R,K,H; -   N2R,K,H; -   L3R,K,H; -   N4R,K,H; -   W13R,K,H; -   Y14R,K; -   P16R,K,H; -   N17R,K,H; -   D18A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q20R,K,H; -   R23H; -   R24K,H; -   Q26H; -   E34A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T49H; -   S50R,K,H; -   Q51H; -   A52R,K,H; -   D53A,C,G,H,K,M,P; -   L61R,K,H; -   Y62R,K; -   F67R,K,H; -   V73R,K,H; -   Q84R,K,H; -   S85R,K,H; -   K88H; -   S92R,H; -   N96R,K,H; -   K106H; -   G108R,K,H; -   D114A,N,C,Q,G,H,K,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   T116R,H; -   E119A,R,N,D,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D121A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   P122R,H; -   A123H; -   D124N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R125K; -   N126H; -   R127K,H; -   V128R,K,H; -   I129R,K,H; -   S130R,K,H; -   G131R,K,H; -   E132R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,W,Y; -   L134K,H; -   K136A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W138R,K; -   G145R,K,H; -   G147R,K,H; -   S148R,K,H; -   T149R,K,H; -   D152A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   F153R,K,H; -   K154H; -   W155R,K,H; -   W157R; -   Y158R; -   D164R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W165K,H; -   E167A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S168R,K,H; -   R169H; -   K170H; -   L171R,K,H; -   R173H; -   K176H; -   G179K,H; -   W182R,K,H; -   E185R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N188R,H; -   E189A,R,N,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G191R,H; -   Y193R; -   L196H; -   Y198R; -   D204R,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   P206R,K,H; -   A209R; -   A210R,K,H; -   T217R,H; -   W218R,K,H; -   N221R,K,H; -   E222R,K,H; -   K234H; -   K237H; -   S239H; -   N246R,K,H; -   R249H; -   E250A,R,N,D,C,H,I,L,K,M,P,T,W,Y,V; -   K251H; -   T252R,K,H; -   G253R,K,H; -   K254H; -   E255A,R,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F257R,K,H; -   E261A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W263R,K; -   N265H; -   D266A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L267R,K,H; -   G268R,K,H; -   A269H; -   E271A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N272R,K,H; -   N275R,K,H; -   K276H; -   N278R,K,H; -   N280R,K,H; -   Q291R,H; -   A294R,H; -   T297H; -   Q298H; -   G299H; -   G300H; -   G301H; -   Y302R; -   D303R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K306H; -   L308R,K,H; -   N309H; -   G310R,K,H; -   K315H; -   P317R,K,H; -   L318R,K,H; -   K319H; -   D328A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G332R,K,H; -   S334R,K,H; -   L335R,K,H; -   E336A,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S337R,H; -   T338R,K,H; -   T341R,K,H; -   W342R; -   P345R,K,H; -   E355A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y358R,K; -   Y363R,K; -   K370H; -   G371K,H; -   S373R,K,H; -   Q374K,H; -   R375H; -   E376A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   P378R,K,H; -   A379R,K,H; -   K381H; -   K389H; -   Q393K,H; -   Y394R,K; -   Y396R,M; -   A398R,H; -   Y402R,K; -   F403R,H; -   D404R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H406R; -   D407A,R,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I408R,K,H; -   R413K,H; -   E414A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G415R,K,H; -   D416A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S417R,K,H; -   S418R,K,H; -   V419R,H; -   A420K,H; -   N421R,K,H; -   S422R,K,H; -   G431R,H; -   P432H; -   G433R,H; -   G434R; -   A435H; -   K436H; -   R437K,H; -   Y439R,K; -   R442H; -   Q443R,H; -   N444H; -   A445R,K,H; -   G446R,K,H; -   E447A,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T448R,K,H; -   G454R,K,H; -   N455R,K,H; -   R456H; -   S457R,K,H; -   E458A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   P459R,K,H; -   V460R,K,H; -   V461R,H; -   N463R,K,H; -   S464R,K,H; -   E465A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W467R,K,H; -   E469A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N473H; -   G474R,H; -   G475H; -   S476H; -   Q482H; -   R483H.     Decreased pI     Substitutions Resulting in Lower pI

Variants of the invention with decreased pI in comparison to the parent alpha-amylase may have improved liquefying effect. This means that the pI of the parent amylase should be adjusted to the pH conditions in the liquefying process in question. Normally the pH during liquefaction lies in the range of 4-7, such as between pH 4.5-6.5. An example of a liquefaction process is descripted below in the section “Liquefaction”. Improved liquefying effect may be carried out as described in the “Materials & Method” section.

Alternatively, variants with decreased pI may advantageously be used in detergent. If the pI of the parent alpha-amylase is above the pH in the washing solution the target is to decrease the pI to the pH of the washing solution. Such variant may be prepared by making the following kind of substitutions:

-   1) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned positively     charged amino acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a neutral     amino acid residue. -   2) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned neutral amino     acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a negatively charged     amino acid residue. -   3) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned positively     charged amino acid residue with a negatively charged amino acid     residue. -   4) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned negatively     charged amino acid residue with a more negatively charged amino acid     residue.

Thus, variants of the invention include (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the numbering):

-   G5D,E; -   T6D,E; -   G36D,E; -   I37D,E; -   T38D,E; -   A39D,E; -   I42D,E; -   A45D,E; -   K47A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D63E; -   Q69D,E; -   K70A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G71D,E; -   T72D,E; -   R74A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T75D,E; -   K76A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T79D,E; -   L83D,E; -   A86D,E; -   I87D,E; -   S89D,E; -   R93A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T112D,E; -   A117D,E; -   V120D,E; -   A137D,E; -   K213A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G216D,E; -   A220D,E; -   L223D,E; -   L225D,E; -   D226E; -   G227D,E; -   R229A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D243E; -   V245D,E; -   F279D,E; -   S282D,E; -   T311D,E; -   V321D,E; -   V324D,E; -   L352D,E; -   T353D,E; -   R354A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G357D,E; -   V361D,E; -   F362D,E; -   G364D,E; -   G368D,E; -   A390D,E; -   A395D,E; -   G397D,E; -   Q399D,E; -   H400A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D401E; -   A425D,E; -   D451E; -   I452D,E; -   T453D,E; -   G466D,E; -   G468D,E; -   F470D,E; -   H471A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S478D,E. -   L7D,E; -   Q9D; -   F11 -   D; -   G19D,E; -   H21R,D,E,K; -   W22D,E; -   L25D,E; -   L32D,E; -   V40D,E; -   W41D,E; -   Y46D; -   G48D,E; -   G55D,E; -   G57D,E; -   A58D,E; -   D60E; -   Y77D; -   I95D,E; -   V97D,E; -   Y98D; -   G99D,E; -   D100E; -   V102D,E; -   I103A,D,E; -   H105A,N,C,Q,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   G107D,E; -   V115D,E; -   V118E; -   I135D,E; -   T139D,E; -   F141D,E; -   F143AD,E; -   S151D,E; -   H159A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   F160D,E; -   D161E; -   G162D,E; -   T163D,E; -   Y175D; -   F177D,E; -   D183E; -   V186D,E; -   S187E; -   N192D,E; -   A199D,E; -   D200E; -   D202E; -   Y203D; -   V208D,E; -   W215D,E; -   Y219D; -   F228D,E; -   L230D,E; -   V233E; -   F238D,E; -   F240D,E; -   W244D,E; -   V248D,E; -   T258D,E; -   V259D,E; -   A260D,E; -   Y262D; -   Y273D; -   L274D,E; -   T277D,E; -   H281A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V283E; -   F284D,E; -   D285E; -   V286D,E; -   P287D,E; -   L288D,E; -   H289A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F292D,E; -   A295D,E; -   S296D,E; -   L307D,E; -   V313D,E; -   S320D,E; -   T322D,E; -   F323D,E; -   D325E; -   N326E; -   H327A,R,C,G,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T329D,E; -   P331D,E; -   V339E; -   F343D,E; -   K344A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L346D,E; -   A347D,E; -   A349D,E; -   P359D,E; -   Q360D; -   T369D,E; -   I377D,E; -   L380D,E; -   I387D,E; -   V409E; -   G410D,E; -   W411D,E; -   T412E; -   G423D,E; -   L424D,E; -   A426D,E; -   L427D,E; -   I428D,E; -   T429D,E; -   D430E; -   V440D,E; -   G441D,E; -   W449D,E; -   I462D,E; -   V472D,E; -   V477D,E; -   I479D,E; -   Y480D; -   V481D,E. -   A1D,E; -   N2D,E; -   L3D,E; -   N4D,E; -   W13D,E; -   Y14D; -   P16D,E; -   N17D,E; -   D18E; -   Q20D,E; -   R23D,E; -   R24D,E; -   Q26D,E; -   H35A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S50E; -   Q51D,E; -   A52D,E; -   L61D,E; -   Y62D; -   F67D,E; -   H68A,R,D,C,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V73D,E; -   Q84D; -   S85E; -   K88A,R,N,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H91A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S92D,E; -   N96D,E; -   K106A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   G108D,E; -   D114E; -   T116D,E; -   D121E; -   A123D,E; -   R125N,Q,E,G,I,M,F,S,T,W,Y; -   R127D,E; -   V128D; -   I129D,E; -   S130D,E; -   G131D; -   H133R,N,D,C,M,T,W,V; -   L134D,E; -   K136A,R,N,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W138D,E; -   G145D,E; -   G147D,E; -   S148D,E; -   T149D,E; -   Y150D; -   D152E; -   F153D,E; -   K154A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W155D,E; -   H156A,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   W165D,E; -   S168D,E; -   R169D,E; -   K170A,R,N,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L171D,E; -   N172D,E; -   R173A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,M,P,S,W,Y,V; -   K176A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G179D,E; -   K180A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   W182D,E; -   P206D,E; -   A210D,E; -   R214A,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   T217D; -   W218D,E; -   N221D,E; -   K234A,D,C,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H235A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K237A,G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   R242G,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N246D,E; -   H247R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   R249A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K251R,N,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T252D,E; -   G253E; -   K254A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F257D,E; -   W263D,E; -   N265E; -   D266E; -   L267D,E; -   G268D,E; -   N272D,E; -   N275D,E; -   K276A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N278D,E; -   N280D,E; -   H293A,R,N,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,V; -   R305G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K306Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L308D,E; -   G310E; -   S314D,E; -   K315A,N,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H316A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   P317D,E; -   L318D,E; -   K319A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D328E; -   G332E; -   Q333D; -   S334E; -   L335D,E; -   S337E; -   T341D; -   P345D,E; -   Y358D; -   Y363D; -   K370A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G371E; -   S373D,E; -   Q374D,E; -   R375A,N,D,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   P378D,E; -   A379D,E; -   K381A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K389A,D,C,G,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q393E; -   Y394D; -   Y396D; -   A398D,E; -   H405R,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H406A,R,G,I,M,F,P,Y,V; -   I408D,E; -   R413A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G415D,E; -   D416E; -   S417D,E; -   S418D,E; -   V419D,E; -   A420D,E; -   N421D,E; -   S422D,E; -   K436A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R437A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y439D; -   R442A,N,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q443D,E; -   A445D,E; -   G446D,E; -   T448D,E,; -   H450A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   G454D,E; -   R456A,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S457D,E; -   P459D,E; -   V460D,E; -   V461D,E; -   N463D,E; -   S464D,E; -   W467D,E; -   Q482D; -   R483A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V.     Reduced Sensitivity to Anionic Surfactants     Substitutions Resulting in a More Hydrophilic Amino Acid Residue

In an aspect, the invention relates to providing alpha-amylase variants with reduced sensitivity (or improved stability against denaturation) to anionic surfactants (in particular linear alkyl sulphonates (LAS)). These variants are provided by substituting, deleting or inserting an amino acid residue in the parent alpha-amylase as indicated below with a more hydrophilic amino acid residue. Such variants may be prepared by:

-   1) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned positively     charged amino acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a     hydrophilic amino acid residue. -   2) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned hydrophobic amino     acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a hydrophilic amino acid     residue -   3) Substituting one or more of the below mentioned positively     charged amino acid residue in a parent alpha-amylase with a netral     or negatively charged amino acid residue.

The anionic surfactants (in particular linear alkyl sulphonates (LAS)) sensitivity (in detergent) may be tested as described in the “Materials & Methods” section.

Variants of the invention with reduced sensitivity to anionic surfactants, in particular linear alkyl sulphonates (LAS), include (using the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 numbering):

-   G5N,C,Q,S,T; -   T6N,C,Q,S; -   G36N,C,Q,S,T; -   I37N,C,Q,S,T; -   T38N,C,Q,S; -   A39N,C,Q,S,T; -   I42N,C,Q,S,T; -   A45N,C,Q,S,T; -   K47N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   Q69N; -   K70N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   G71N,D,C,Q,S,T; -   T72N,C,Q,S; -   R74N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   T75N,C,Q,S; -   K76N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   T79N,C,Q,S; -   L83N,C,Q,S,T; -   A86N,C,Q,S,T; -   I87N,C,Q,S,T; -   S89N,C,Q; -   R93N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   T112N,C,Q,S; -   A117N,C,Q,S,T; -   V120N,C,Q,S,T; -   A137N,C,Q,S,T; -   K213N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   G216N,C,Q,S,T; -   A220N,C,Q,S,T; -   L223N,C,Q,S,T; -   L225N,C,Q,S,T; -   G227N,C,Q,S,T; -   R229N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   V245N,C,Q,S,T; -   F279N,C,Q,S,T; -   S282N,C,Q; -   T311N,C,Q,S; -   V321N,C,Q,S,T; -   V324N,C,Q,S,T; -   L352N,C,Q,S,T; -   T353N,C,Q,S; -   R354N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   G357N,C,Q,S,T; -   V361N,C,Q,S,T; -   F362N,C,Q,S,T; -   G364N,C,Q,S,T; -   G368N,C,Q,S,T; -   A390N,C,Q,S,T; -   A395N,C,Q,S,T; -   G397N,C,Q,S,T; -   Q399N; -   H400N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   A425N,C,Q,S,T; -   I452N,C,Q,S,T; -   T453N,C,Q,S; -   G466N,C,Q,S,T; -   G468N,C,Q,S,T; -   F470N,C,Q,S,T; -   H471N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   S478N,C,Q. -   L7N,C,Q,S; -   M8C; -   Q9N; -   F11N,C,Q,S,T; -   G19N,C,Q,S,T; -   H21N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   W22N,C,Q,S,T; -   L25N,C,Q,S,T; -   L32N,C,Q,S,T; -   V40N,C,Q,S,T; -   W41N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y46C; -   G48N,C,Q; -   G55N,C,Q,S,T; -   G57N,C,Q; -   A58N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y77C; -   I95N,C,Q,S,T; -   V97N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y98C; -   G99N,C,Q,S,T; -   V101N,C,Q,S,T; -   V102N,C,Q; -   I103N,C,Q,S; -   H105N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,P,Y,V,; -   G107N,Q; -   V115N,C,Q,S,T; -   V118N,C,Q,S,T; -   I135N,C,Q,S,T; -   T139N,C,Q,S; -   F141N,C,Q,S,T; -   F143N,C,Q,S,T; -   S151N,C,Q; -   H159N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   F160N,C,Q,S,T; -   G162N,C,Q,S,T; -   T163N,C,Q,S; -   Y175C; -   F177N,C,Q,S,T; -   V186N,C,Q,S,T; -   S187C,Q; -   A199N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y203C; -   V208N,C,Q,S,T; -   I212N,C,Q,S,T; -   W215N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y219C; -   F228N,C,Q,S,T; -   L230N,C,Q,S,T; -   V233N,C,Q,S,T; -   I236C,Q,S,T; -   F238N,C,Q,S,T; -   F240N,C,Q,S,T; -   L241N,C,Q,S,T; -   W244N,C,Q,S,T; -   V248N,C,Q,S,T; -   M256C; -   T258N,C,Q,S; -   V259N,C,Q,S,T; -   A260N,C,Q,T; -   Y262C; -   L270N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y273C; -   L274N,C,Q,S,T; -   T277N,C,Q,S; -   H281 N,C,Q,S,T, A,M,P,W,Y,V, D,E; -   V283N,C,Q,S,T; -   F284N,C,Q,S,T; -   V286C,Q,S,T; -   P287N,C,Q,S,T; -   L288N,C,Q,S,T; -   H289N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   F292N,C,Q,S,T; -   A295N,C,Q,S,T; -   S296N,C,Q,T; -   M304C; -   L307N,C,Q,S,T; -   V312N,C,Q,S,T; -   V313N,C,Q,S,T; -   S320N,C,Q; -   T322N,C,Q,S; -   F323N,C,Q,S,T; -   H327C,S,T, A,I,L,M,P,W,Y,V; -   T329N,C,Q; -   P331N,C,Q,S,T; -   V339N,C,Q,S,T; -   F343N,C,Q,S,T; -   K344N,C,Q,S,T; -   L346N,Q,S,T; -   A347N,C,Q,S,T; -   A349N,Q,S,T; -   F350N,C,Q,S,T; -   P359N,C,Q,S,T; -   Q360N; -   T369N,C,Q,S; -   I377N,C,Q,S,T; -   L380N,C,Q,S; -   I387N,C,Q,S,T; -   V409N,C,Q,S,T; -   G410N,C,Q,S,T; -   W411N,C,Q,S,T; -   T412N,C,Q,S; -   G423N,C,Q,S,T; -   L424N,C,Q,S,T; -   A426N,C,Q,S,T; -   L427N,C,Q,S,T; -   I428N,Q,S; -   T429N,C,Q,S; -   M438C; -   V440N,C,Q,S,T; -   G441N,C,Q,S,T; -   W449N,C,Q,S,T; -   I462N,C,Q,S,T; -   V472N,C,Q,S,T; -   V477N,C,Q,S,T; -   I479N,Q,S; -   Y480C; -   V481N,C,Q,S,T. -   A1N,C,Q,S,T; -   L3N,C,Q,S,T; -   N4C,Q,S,T; -   W13N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y14C; -   P16N,C,Q,S,T; -   Q20N; -   R23N,C,Q,S, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   R24N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   H35N,C,Q,S,T, A,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   T49C; -   S50N,C,Q; -   Q51N; -   A52C,Q; -   L61N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y62C; -   F67N,C,Q,S,T; -   H68C,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   V73N,C,Q,S,T; -   Q84N; -   S85N,C,T; -   K88N,C,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   H91N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   S92N,C,Q; -   K106N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   G108N,C,Q,S,T; -   T116C,Q,S; -   E119N,Q,S,T; -   P122N,Q,S,T; -   A123N,C,Q,S,T; -   R125N,Q,S,T, I,M,F,W,Y,E; -   R127N,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   V128N,C,Q,S; -   I129N,C,Q,S; -   S130N,Q; -   G131N,C,Q,S,T; -   H133N,C,T,M,W,V,D; -   L134N,C,S,T; -   K136N,C,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   W138N,Q,S,T; -   G145N,C,Q,S,T; -   G147N,C,Q,S,T; -   S148C,Q,T; -   T149N,C,Q,S; -   Y150C; -   F153N,C,Q,S,T; -   K154N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   W155N,C,Q,S,T; -   H156C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,V,E; -   W157S,T; -   W165N,C,Q,S,T; -   S168N,C,Q; -   R169AN,C,Q,S A,M,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   K170N,C,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   L171N,C,Q,S,T; -   R173N,C,Q,S A,M,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   K176N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   G179C,Q; -   W182N,C,Q,S,T; -   K180A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   W182N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   W184I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G191N,Q,S,T; -   L196N,Q,S,T; -   P206N,C,Q,S,T; -   A209S; -   A210N,C,Q; -   R214C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   T217N,C,Q,S; -   W218N,C,Q,S,T; -   K234C,S,T A,I,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D; -   H235N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   R242S,T,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   H247N,C,Q,S,T,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   R249N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   K251N,C,S,T I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   T252N,C,Q,S; -   G253C,Q,S,T; -   K254N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   F257N,C,Q,S,T; -   W263N,C,Q,S,T; -   L267N,C,Q,S,T; -   G268N,C,Q,S,T; -   A269N,C,Q,S,T; -   K276N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   Q291N; -   H293N,S,T A,I,L,M,P,W,V; -   A294N,Q,S,T; -   G299S,T; -   G300C,T; -   G301N,Q,S,T; -   R305S,T,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K306Q,S,T,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,; -   L308N,C,Q,S,T; -   G310N,C,Q,S,T; -   S314C; -   K315N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,E; -   H316N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,V,D,E; -   P317N,C,Q,S,T; -   L318N,C,Q,S; -   K319N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   G332N,C,Q,S,T; -   Q333N; -   S334N,C,Q; -   L335C,Q; -   S337N,C,Q; -   T338N,C,Q,S; -   T341C; -   W342S,T; -   P345N,C,Q,T; -   E355N,C,Q,S,T; -   Y358C; -   Y363C; -   K370N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   G371N,C,Q,S,T; -   S373N,C,Q,T; -   Q374N; -   R375N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,V,D; -   P378N,C,Q,S,T; -   A379N,C,Q,T; -   K381N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   K389C,S,T,A,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D; -   Q393N; -   Y394C; -   Y396C; -   A398N,C,Q; -   Y402C; -   F403N,Q,S,T; -   H405I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H406A,I,M,F,P,Y,V; -   I408N,C,Q,S,T; -   R413N,C,Q,S,T A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   G415N,C,Q,S,T; -   S417N,Q; -   S418N,Q; -   V419N,C,Q,S,T; -   A420N,C,S,T; -   S422N,Q; -   G431N,Q,S,T; -   P432S,T; -   G433N,Q,S,T; -   G434N,Q,S,T; -   A435Q,T; -   K436N,C,Q,S,T,A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   R437N,C,Q,S,T,A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   Y439C; -   R442N,C,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   Q443N; -   A445N,C,Q,S,T; -   G446N,C,Q,S,T; -   T448N,C,Q,S; -   H450N,C,Q,S,T, A,I,L,M,F,P,W,V,D,E; -   G454N,C,Q,S,T; -   R456C,S,T,A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E; -   S457N,C,Q; -   P459N,C,Q,S; -   V460N,C,Q,S,T; -   V461N,C,Q,S; -   S464N,C,Q,T; -   W467N,C,Q,S,T; -   G475N,Q,S,T; -   Q482N; -   R483N,C,Q,S,T,A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V,D,E.     Increased Stability at Low pH and/or at High Temperature     Substitutions Resulting in a More Hydrophobic Amino Acid Residue

In an aspect the invention relates to Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant with increased stability at acidic pH and/or at high temperature in comparison to the parent alpha-amylase. Such variants are especially suitable for starch liquefaction.

In the context of the invention the term “acidic pH” means a pH below 7.0, especially below the pH range, in which industrial starch liquefaction processes are normally performed, which is between pH 5.5 and 6.2.

In the context of the invention “high temperature” is a temperature in the range from 60-110° C.

Such variant are variant having a substitution resulting in a more hydrophobic amino acid residues. Providing such variant of the invention may be prepared by

-   1) Substituting a charged amino acid residue with a hydrophobic     amino acid residue; -   2) Substituting a hydrophilic amino acid residue with a hydrophobic     amino acid residue; -   3) Substituting a hydrophilic amino acid residue with a more     hydrophilic amino acid residue; -   4) Substituting a hydrophilic amino acid residue with a less     hydrophilic amino acid residue.

Thus, variants of the invention include (using SEQ ID NO: 8 for the numbering):

-   G5A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   T6G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G36A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   I37Y,F,W; -   T38G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A39V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   I42Y,F,W; -   A45V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   K47G,A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D63G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   E66G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   Q69T,S,C, G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   K70G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G71A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   T72G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   R74G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   T75G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   K76G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   T79G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W: -   E82G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   L83I,Y,F,W; -   A86V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   I87Y,F,W; -   S89G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   R93G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   T112G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   E113G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A117,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   V120P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A137V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   K213G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G216A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A220V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   L223I,Y,F,W; -   L225I,Y,F,W; -   D226G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G227G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   R229G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   D243G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   V245P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   F279W; -   S282T,G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   T311G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   V321P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   V324P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   L352I,Y,F,W; -   T353G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   R354G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G357A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   V361P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   F362W; -   G364A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G368A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A390V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A395V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G397A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   Q399T,S,C,G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   H400G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   D401G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   A425V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   D451G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   I452Y,F,W; -   T453G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G466G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   G468A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   F470W; -   H471G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W; -   S478T,G,A,V,P,M,L,I,Y,F,W -   Q9A,C,G,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F11W; -   E12A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G19A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H21A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L25I,W,Y; -   L32I,F,W,Y; -   V40I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   Y46W; -   G48M,F,P,W,Y; -   G55AI,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G57M,P,W; -   A58G,M,W,Y; -   D60AG,I,L,M,F,PW,Y,V; -   Y77W; -   I95F,W,Y; -   V97I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   Y98W; -   G99I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D100A,G,I,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V101I,L,M,P,W,Y; -   V102I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   I103W; -   H105A,G,I,L,M,P,Y,V; -   G107M,F,P,W,Y; -   V115I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   V118I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   I135F,W,Y; -   T139AG,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   F141W; -   S151A,G,M,P,T,Y,V; -   H159A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   F160W; -   D161A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G162A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   T163A,G,I,L,M,F,P,Y,V; -   D166A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y175W; -   F177W; -   D183A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V186I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   S187A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N192A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   A199G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D200AG,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D202A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V208L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   Y219W; -   F228W; -   L230W,Y; -   V233G,I,M,P,W,Y; -   I236M,P; -   F238W; -   F240W; -   L241P; -   V248A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   T258A,G,I,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V259M,P,W,Y; -   A260I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y262W; -   L270I,F,W,Y; -   L274I,M,F,P,W,Y; -   T277A,G,M,P,W,Y,V; -   H281A,G,M,P,W,Y,V; -   V283I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   D285A,G,I,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V286I,M,F,P,W,Y; -   P287I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   L288I,F,W,Y; -   H289A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   F292W; -   A295I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S296A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,T,Y,V; -   L307I,F,W,Y; -   V312I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   V313I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   S320G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T322G,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   F323W; -   D325AG,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N326A,C,G,M,P,S,T,W; -   H327A,G,I,L,M,P,W,Y,V; -   T329A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P331I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   V339I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   K344AG,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L346I,F,W,Y; -   A347I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   A349I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P359I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   Q360I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T369A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   I377F,W,Y; -   L380W,Y; -   I387W,Y; -   V409M,P,W,Y; -   G410A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   T412G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G423A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L424I,F,W,Y; -   A426I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L427Y; -   I428F,W,Y; -   T429A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D430A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V440I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   G441A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   I462F,W,Y; -   V472I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   V477I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   I479F,W,Y; -   Y480W; -   V481M,P,Y. -   A1I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   N2C,Q,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L3I,M,F,P,W,Y; -   N4A,C,Q,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y14W; -   P16I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   N17A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D18A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q20A,C,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R23A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   R24A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q26A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   E34A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H35A,G,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   T49A,G,P; -   S50A,G,M,F,P,W; -   Q51A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A52P; -   D53A,G,M,P; -   L61I,M,Y; -   H68A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V73M,P,W,Y; -   Q84A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S85A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   K88A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H91A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S92A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   N96A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K106A,G,I,L,M,P,Y,V; -   G108I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D114A,G,F,P,W,Y; -   T116A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E119A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D121A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P122I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   A123I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D124G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   R125G,I,M,F,W,Y; -   N126Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R127A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   V128I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   I129F,W,Y; -   S130A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G131A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E132G,I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   H133M,W,V; -   L134I,F,W,Y; -   K136A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G145A,I,L,M,P,Y,V; -   G147A,I,L,M,P,W,Y,V; -   S148A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T149A,G,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y150W; -   D152A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   F153W; -   K154A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H156A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   Y158W; -   D164I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E167A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S168A,G,I,L,M,F,T,W,V; -   R169A,G,M,P,W,Y,V; -   K170A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L171W,Y; -   N172A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   R173A,G,M,P,W,Y,V; -   K176A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G179I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K180A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E185I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N188A,Q,G,L,M,F,W,V; -   E189A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G191A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y193W; -   L196I,W; -   Y198W; -   D204L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H205A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P206G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   A209P,W,Y; -   A210G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   R214A,G,I,L,M,F,P,Y,V; -   T217A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   N221A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W;Y,V; -   E222A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K234A,G,I,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H235A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K237A,G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   S239G,I,L,M,F,P,T,Y,V; -   R242G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   N246A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H247G,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   R249A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E250A,I,L,M,P,W,Y,V; -   K251G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   T252A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G253I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   K254A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E255A,G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   F257W; -   E261A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N265C,Q,I,L,M,F,P,W; -   D266A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L267W,Y; -   G268A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   A269I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E271A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N272A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N275A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   K276A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N278A,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N280A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y290W; -   Q291A,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H293A,G,I,L,M,P,W,V; -   A294I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   T297A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q298G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G299A,M,P; -   G300A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G301I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y302W; -   D303I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   R305G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K306G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   L308I,F,W,Y; -   N309Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G310A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S314A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K315A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H316A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   P317I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   L318I,W,Y; -   K319A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D328A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G332A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q333A,C,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   S334G,M,F,P,W,Y; -   L335I,F,W,Y; -   E336A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S337A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T338A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q340I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T341A,G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   P345I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   E355A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y358W; -   Y363W; -   K370A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G371A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S373A,G,I,L,M,F,T,W,Y,V; -   Q374A,C,G,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R375A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   E376A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P378G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   A379I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K381A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K389A,G,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q393A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y394W; -   Y396W; -   A398I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   Y402W; -   F403W; -   D404I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H405G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H406A,G,I,M,F,P,Y,V; -   D407A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   I408W,Y; -   R413A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E414A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G415A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   D416A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S417A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S418A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   V419I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   A420I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   N421A,C,Q,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S422A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   G431A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P432I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   G433A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G434A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   A435I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K436A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   R437A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y439W; -   R442A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q443A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N444A,C,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A445I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G446A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E447A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   T448A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H450A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,V; -   G454A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N455A,C,Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R456A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S457A,G,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   E458A.G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P459I,L,M,F,W,Y; -   V460I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   V461I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   N463A,C,Q,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S464A,G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   E465A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E469A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N473Q,G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G474A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G475A,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S476G,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   Q482A,C,G,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R483A,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V.     General Mutations in Variants of the Invention

A variant of the invention may in one embodiment comprise one or more modifications in addition to those outlined above. Thus, it may be advantageous that one or more Proline (Pro) residues present in the part of the alpha-amylase variant which is modified is/are replaced with a non-Proline residue which may be any of the possible, naturally occurring non-Proline residues, and which preferably is an Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Threonine, Valine or Leucine.

Analogously, in one embodiment one or more Cysteine residues present in the parent alpha-amylase may be replaced with a non-Cysteine residue such as Serine, Alanine, Threonine, Glycine, Valine or Leucine.

Furthermore, a variant of the invention may—either as the only modification or in combination with any of the above outlined modifications—be modified so that one or more Asp and/or Glu present in an amino acid fragment corresponding to the amino add fragment 185-209 of SEQ ID NO: 10 is replaced by an Asn and/or Gln, respectively. Also of interest is the replacement, in the Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, of one or more of the Lys residues present in an amino acid fragment corresponding to the amino acid fragment 185-209 of SEQ ID NO: 10 by an Arg.

It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses variants incorporating two or more of the above outlined modifications.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous to introduce mutations in one or more of the following positions (using SEQ ID NO: 8 (Termamyl) for the numbering):

M15, V128, A111, H133, W138, T149, M197, N188, A209, A210, H405, T412, in particular the following single, double or triple or multi mutations:

-   M15X, in particular M15T,L; -   V128X, in particular V128E; -   H133X, in particular H133Y; -   N188X, in particular N188S,T,P; -   M197X, in particular M197T,L; -   A209X, in particular A209V; -   M197T/W138F; M197T/138Y; M15T/H133Y/N188S; -   M15N128E/H133Y/N188S; E119C/S130C; D124C/R127C; H133Y/T149I; -   G475R, H133Y/S187D; H133Y/A209V.     Methods for Preparing Alpha-Amylase Variants of the Invention

Several methods for introducing mutations into genes are known in the art. After a brief description of cloning of alpha-amylase-encoding DNA sequences, methods for generating mutations at specific sites within the alpha-amylase-encoding sequence will be discribed.

Cloning a DNA Sequence Encoding an Alpha-Amylase

The DNA sequence encoding a parent alpha-amylase may be isolated from any cell or microorganism producing the alpha-amylase in question, using various methods well known in the art. First, a genomic DNA and/or cDNA library should be constructed using chromosomal DNA or messenger RNA from the organism that produces the alpha-amylase to be studied. Then, if the amino acid sequence of the alpha-amylase is known, homologous, labeled oligonucleotide probes may be synthesized and used to identify alpha-amylase-encoding clones from a genomic library prepared from the organism in question. Alternatively, a labeled oligonucleotide probe containing sequences homologous to a known alpha-amylase gene could be used as a probe to identify alpha-amylase-encoding clones, using hybridization and washing conditions of lower stringency.

Yet another method for identifying alpha-amylase-encoding clones would involve inserting fragments of genomic DNA into an expression vector, such as a plasmid, transforming alpha-amylase-negative bacteria with the resulting genomic DNA library, and then plating the transformed bacteria onto agar containing a substrate for alpha-amylase, thereby allowing clones expressing the alpha-amylase to be identified.

Alternatively, the DNA sequence encoding the enzyme may be prepared synthetically by established standard methods, e.g., the phosphoroamidite method described by S. L. Beaucage and M. H. Caruthers, Tetrahedron Letters 22, 1981, pp. 1859-1869, or the method described by Matthes et al., The EMBO J. 3, 1984, pp. 801-805. In the phosphoroamidite method, oligonucleotides are synthesized, e.g., in an automatic DNA synthesizer, purified, annealed, ligated and cloned in appropriate vectors.

Finally, the DNA sequence may be of mixed genomic and synthetic origin, mixed synthetic and cDNA origin or mixed genomic and cDNA origin, prepared by ligabng fragments of synthetic, genomic or cDNA origin (as appropriate, the fragments corresponding to various parts of the entire DNA sequence), in accordance with standard techniques. The DNA sequence may also be prepared by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers, for instance as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202 or R. K. Saiki et al., Science 239, 1988, pp. 487-491.

Site-Directed Mutagenesis

Once an alpha-amylase-encoding DNA sequence has been isolated, and desirable sites for mutation identified, mutations may be introduced using synthetic oligonucleotides. These oligonucleotides contain nucleotide sequences flanking the desired mutation sites; mutant nucleotides are inserted during oligonucleotide synthesis. In a specific method, a single-stranded gap of DNA, bridging the alpha-amylase-encoding sequence, is created in a vector carrying the alpha-amylase gene. Then the synthetic nucleotide, bearing the desired mutation, is annealed to a homologous portion of the single-stranded DNA The remaining gap is then filled in with DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) and the construct is ligated using T4 ligase. A specific example of this method is described in Morinaga et al. (1984). U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,025 disclose the introduction of oligonucleotides encoding multiple mutations by performing minor alterations of the cassette. However, an even greater variety of mutations can be introduced at any one time by the Morinaga method, because a multitude of oligonucleotides, of various lengths, can be introduced.

Another method for introducing mutations into alpha-amylase-encoding DNA sequences is described in Nelson and Long (1989). It involves the 3-step generation of a PCR fragment containing the desired mutation introduced by using a chemically synthesized DNA strand as one of the primers in the PCR reactions. From the PCR-generated fragment, a DNA fragment carrying the mutation may be isolated by cleavage with restriction endonucleases and reinserted into an expression plasmid.

Alternative methods for providing variants of the invention include gene shuffling, e.g., as described in WO 95/22625 (from Affymax Technologies N.V.) or in WO 96/00343 (from Novo Nordisk A/S), or other corresponding techniques resulting in a hybrid enzyme comprising the mutation(s), e.g., substitution(s) and/or deletion(s), in question.

Expression of Alpha-Amylase Variants

According to the invention, a DNA sequence encoding the variant produced by methods described above, or by any alternative methods known in the art, can be expressed, in enzyme form, using an expression vector which typically includes control sequences encoding a promoter, operator, ribosome binding site, translation initiation signal, and, optionally, a repressor gene or various activator genes.

The recombinant expression vector carrying the DNA sequence encoding an alpha-amylase variant of the invention may be any vector, which may conveniently be subjected to recombinant DNA procedures, and the choice of vector will often depend on the host cell into which it is to be introduced. Thus, the vector may be an autonomously replicating vector, i.e., a vector which exists as an extrachromosomal entity, the replication of which is independent of chromosomal replication, e.g., a plasmid, a bacteriophage or an extrachromosomal element, minichromosome or an artificial chromosome. Alternatively, the vector may be one which, when introduced into a host cell, is integrated into the host cell genome and replicated together with the chromosome(s) into which it has been integrated.

In the vector, the DNA sequence should be operably connected to a suitable promoter sequence. The promoter may be any DNA sequence, which shows transcriptional activity in the host cell of choice and may be derived from genes encoding proteins either homologous or heterologous to the host cell. Examples of suitable promoters for directing the transcription of the DNA sequence encoding an alpha-amylase variant of the invention, especially in a bacterial host, are the promoter of the lac operon of E.coli, the Streptomyces coelicolor agarase gene dagA promoters, the promoters of the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene (amyL), the promoters of the Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase gene (amyM), the promoters of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase (amyQ), the promoters of the Bacillus subtilis xylA and xylB genes etc. For transcription in a fungal host, examples of useful promoters are those derived from the gene encoding A. oryzae TAKA amylase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, A. niger neutral alpha-amylase, A. niger acid stable alpha-amylase, A. niger glucoamylase, Rhizomucor miehei lipase, A. oryzae alkaline protease, A. oryzae triose phosphate isomerase or A. nidulans acetamidase.

The expression vector of the invention may also comprise a suitable transcription terminator and, in eukaryotes, polyadenylation sequences operably connected to the DNA sequence encoding the alpha-amylase variant of the invention. Termination and polyadenylation sequences may suitably be derived from the same sources as the promoter.

The vector may further comprise a DNA sequence enabling the vector to replicate in the host cell in question. Examples of such sequences are the origins of replication of plasmids pUC19, pACYC177, pUB110, pE194, pAMB1 and pIJ702.

The vector may also comprise a selectable marker, e.g. a gene the product of which complements a defect in the host cell, such as the dal genes from B. subtilis or B. licheniformis, or one which confers antibiotic resistance such as ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol or tetracyclin resistance. Furthermore, the vector may comprise Aspergillus selection markers such as amdS, argB, niaD and sC, a marker giving rise to hygromycin resistance, or the selection may be accomplished by co-transformation, e.g., as described in WO 91/17243.

While intracellular expression may be advantageous in some respects, e.g., when using certain bacteria as host cells, it is generally preferred that the expression is extracellular. In general, the Bacillus alpha-amylases mentioned herein comprise a preregion permitting secretion of the expressed protease into the culture medium. If desirable, this preregion may be replaced by a different preregion or signal sequence, conveniently accomplished by substitution of the DNA sequences encoding the respective preregions.

The procedures used to ligate the DNA construct of the invention encoding an alpha-amylase variant, the promoter, terminator and other elements, respectively, and to insert them into suitable vectors containing the information necessary for replication, are well known to persons skilled in the art (cf., for instance, Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor, 1989).

The cell of the invention, either comprising a DNA construct or an expression vector of the invention as defined above, is advantageously used as a host cell in the recombinant production of an alpha-amylase variant of the invention. The cell may be transformed with the DNA construct of the invention encoding the variant, conveniently by integrating the DNA construct (in one or more copies) in the host chromosome. This integration is generally considered to be an advantage as the DNA sequence is more likely to be stably maintained in the cell. Integration of the DNA constructs into the host chromosome may be performed according to conventional methods, e.g., by homologous or heterologous recombination. Alternatively, the cell may be transformed with an expression vector as described above in connection with the different types of host cells.

The cell of the invention may be a cell of a higher organism such as a mammal or an insect, but is preferably a microbial cell, e.g., a bacterial or a fungal (including yeast) cell.

Examples of suitable bacteria are Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus alkalophilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, or Streptomyces lividans or Streptomyces murinus, or gram-negative bacteria such as E.coli. The transformation of the bacteria may, for instance, be effected by protoplast transformation or by using competent cells in a manner known per se.

The yeast organism may favorably be selected from a species of Saccharomyces or Schizosaccharomyces, e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The filamentous fungus may advantageously belong to a species of Aspergillus, e.g., Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus niger. Fungal cells may be transformed by a process involving protoplast formation and transformation of the protoplasts followed by regeneration of the cell wall in a manner known per se. A suitable procedure for transformation of Aspergillus host cells is described in EP 238 023.

In a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of producing an alpha-amylase variant of the invention, which method comprises cultivating a host cell as described above under conditions conducive to the production of the variant and recovering the variant from the cells and/or culture medium.

The medium used to cultivate the cells may be any conventional medium suitable for growing the host cell in question and obtaining expression of the alpha-amylase variant of the invention. Suitable media are available from commercial suppliers or may be prepared according to published recipes (e.g., as described in catalogues of the American Type Culture Collection).

The alpha-amylase variant secreted from the host cells may conveniently be recovered from the culture medium by well-known procedures, including separating the cells from the medium by centrifugation or filtration, and precipitating proteinaceous components of the medium by means of a salt such as ammonium sulphate, followed by the use of chromatographic procedures such as ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, or the like.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

The alpha-amylase variants of this invention possess valuable properties allowing for a variety of industrial applications. In particular, enzyme variants of the invention are applicable as a component in washing, dishwashing, and hard surface cleaning detergent compositions.

Variant of the invention with altered properties may be used for starch processes, in particular starch conversion, especially liquefaction of starch (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,590, EP patent application nos. 252 730 and 63 909, WO 99/19467, and WO 96/28567 all references hereby incorporated by reference). Also contemplated are compositions for starch conversion purposes, which may beside the variant of the invention also comprise a glucoamylase, pullulanase, and other alpha-amylases.

Further, variants of the invention are also particularly useful in the production of sweeteners and ethanol (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,017 hereby incorporated by reference), such as fuel, drinking and industrial ethanol, from starch or whole grains.

Variants of the invention may also be useful for desizing of textiles, fabrics and garments (see, e.g., WO 95/21247, U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,736, EP 119,920 hereby in corporate by reference), beer making or brewing, in pulp and paper production.

Starch Conversion

Conventional starch-conversion processes, such as liquefaction and saccharification processes are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,590 and EP patent publications Nos. 252,730 and 63,909, hereby incorporated by reference.

In an embodiment the starch conversion process degrading starch to lower molecular weight carbohydrate components such as sugars or fat replacers includes a debranching step.

Starch to Sugar Conversion

In the case of converting starch into a sugar the starch is depolymerized. A such depolymerization process consists of a Pre-treatment step and two or three consecutive process steps, viz a liquefaction process, a saccharification process and dependent on the desired end product optionally an isomerization process.

Pre-Treatment of Native Starch

Native starch consists of microscopic granules, which are insoluble in water at room temperature. When an aqueous starch slurry is heated, the granules swell and eventually burst, dispersing the starch molecules into the solution. During this “gelatinization” process there is a dramatic increase in viscosity. As the solids level is 30-40% in a typically industrial process, the starch has to be thinned or “liquefied” so that it can be handled. This reduction in viscosity is today mostly obtained by enzymatic degradation.

Liquefaction

During the liquefaction step, the long chained starch is degraded into branched and linear shorter units (maltodextrins) by an alpha-amylase. The liquefaction process is carried out at 105-110° C. for 5 to 10 minutes followed by 1-2 hours at 95° C. The pH lies between 5.5 and 6.2. In order to ensure optimal enzyme stability under these conditions, 1 mM of calcium is added (40 ppm free calcium ions). After this treatment the liquefied starch will have a “dextrose equivalent” (DE) of 10-15.

Saccharification

After the liquefaction process the maltodextrins are converted into dextrose by addition of a glucoamylase (e.g., AMG) and a debranching enzyme, such as an isoamylase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,208) or a pullulanase (e.g., Promozyme™) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,651). Before this step the pH is reduced to a value below 4.5, maintaining the high temperature (above 95° C.) to inactivate the liquefying alpha-amylase to reduce the formation of short oligosaccharide called “panose precursors” which cannot be hydrolyzed properly by the debranching enzyme.

The temperature is lowered to 60° C., and glucoamylase and debranching enzyme are added. The saccharification process proceeds for 24-72 hours.

Normally, when denaturing the α-amylase after the liquefaction step about 0.2-0.5% of the saccharification product is the branched trisaccharide 6²-alpha-glucosyl maltose (panose) which cannot be degraded by a pullulanase. If active amylase from the liquefaction step is present during saccharification (i.e., no denaturing), this level can be as high as 1-2%, which is highly undesirable as it lowers the saccharification yield significantly.

Isomerization

When the desired final sugar product is, e.g., high fructose syrup the dextrose syrup may be converted into fructose. After the saccharification process the pH is increased to a value in the range of 6-8, preferably pH 7.5, and the calcium is removed by ion exchange. The dextrose syrup is then converted into high fructose syrup using, e.g., an immmobilized glucoseisomerase (such as Sweetzyme™ IT).

Ethanol Production

In general alcohol production (ethanol) from whole grain can be separated into 4 main steps

-   Milling -   Liquefaction -   Saccharification -   Fermentation     Milling

The grain is milled in order to open up the structure and allowing for further processing. Two processes are used wet or dry milling. In dry milling the whole kernel is milled and used in the remaining part of the process. Wet milling gives a very good separation of germ and meal (starch granules and protein) and is with a few exceptions applied at locations where there is a parallel production of syrups.

Liquefaction

In the liquefaction process the starch granules are solubilized by hydrolysis to maltodextrins mostly of a DP higher than 4. The hydrolysis may be carried out by acid treatment or enzymatically by alpha-amylase. Acid hydrolysis is used on a limited basis. The raw material can be milled whole grain or a side stream from starch processing.

Enzymatic liquefaction is typically carried out as a three-step hot slurry process. The slurry is heated to between 60-95° C., preferably 80-85° C., and the enzyme(s) is (are) added. Then the slurry is jet-cooked at between 95-140° C, preferably 105-125° C., cooled to 60-95° C. and more enzyme(s) is (are) added to obtain the final hydrolysis. The liquefaction process is carried out at pH 4.5-6.5, typically at a pH between 5 and 6. Milled and liquefied grain is also known as mash.

Saccharification

To produce low molecular sugars DP₁₋₃ that can be metabolized by yeast, the maltodextrin from the liquefaction must be further hydrolyzed. The hydrolysis is typically done enzymatically by glucoamylases, alternatively alphaglucosidases or acid alpha-amylases can be used. A full saccharification step may last up to 72 hours, however, it is common only to do a pre-saccharification of typically 40-90 minutes and then complete saccharification during fermentation (SSF). Saccharification is typically carried out at temperatures from 30-65□C., typically around 60□C., and at pH 4.5.

Fermentation

Yeast typically from Saccharomyces spp. is added to the mash and the fermentation is ongoing for 24-96 hours, such as typically 35-60 hours. The temperature is between 26-34° C., typically at about 32° C., and the pH is from pH 3-6, preferably around pH 4-5.

Note that the most widely used process is a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process where there is no holding stage for the saccharification, meaning that yeast and enzyme is added together. When doing SSF it is common to introduce a pre-saccharification step at a temperature above 50° C., just prior to the fermentation.

Distillation

Following the fermentation the mash is distilled to extract the ethanol.

The ethanol obtained according to the process of the invention may be used as, e.g., fuel ethanol; drinking ethanol, i.e., potable neutral spirits; or industrial ethanol.

By-Products

Left over from the fermentation is the grain, which is typically used for animal feed either in liquid form or dried.

Further details on how to carry out liquefaction, saccharification, fermentation, distillation, and recovering of ethanol are well known to the skilled person.

According to the process of the invention the saccharification and fermentation may be carried out simultaneously or separately.

Pulp and Paper Production

The alkaline alpha-amylase of the invention may also be used in the production of lignocellulosic materials, such as pulp, paper and cardboard, from starch reinforced waste paper and cardboard, especially where re-pulping occurs at pH above 7 and where amylases facilitate the disintegration of the waste material through degradation of the reinforcing starch. The alpha-amylase of the invention is especially useful in a process for producing a papermaking pulp from starch-coated printed-paper. The process may be performed as described in WO 95/14807, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) disintegrating the paper to produce a pulp,     -   b) treating with a starch-degrading enzyme before, during or         after step a), and     -   c) separating ink particles from the pulp after steps a) and b).

The alpha-amylases of the invention may also be very useful in modifying starch where enzymatically modified starch is used in papermaking together with alkaline fillers such as calcium carbonate, kaolin and clays. With the alkaline alpha-amylases of the invention it becomes possible to modify the starch in the presence of the filler thus allowing for a simpler integrated process.

Desizing of Textiles, Fabrics and Garments

An alpha-amylase of the invention may also be very useful in textile, fabric or garment desizing. In the textile processing industry, alpha-amylases are traditionally used as auxiliaries in the desizing process to facilitate the removal of starch-containing size, which has served as a protective coating on weft yams during weaving. Complete removal of the size coating after weaving is important to ensure optimum results in the subsequent processes, in which the fabric is scoured, bleached and dyed. Enzymatic starch breakdown is preferred because it does not involve any harmful effect on the fiber material. In order to reduce processing cost and increase mill throughput, the desizing processing is sometimes combined with the scouring and bleaching steps. In such cases, non-enzymatic auxiliaries such as alkali or oxidation agents are typically used to break down the starch, because traditional alpha-amylases are not very compatible with high pH levels and bleaching agents. The non-enzymatic breakdown of the starch size does lead to some fiber damage because of the rather aggressive chemicals used. Accordingly, it would be desirable to use the alpha-amylases of the invention as they have an improved performance in alkaline solutions. The alpha-amylases may be used alone or in combination with a cellulase when desizing cellulose-containing fabric or textile.

Desizing and bleaching processes are well known in the art. For instance, such processes are described in WO 95/21247, U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,736, EP 119,920 hereby in corporate by reference.

Commercially available products for desizing include AQUAZYME® and AQUAZYME® ULTRA from Novozymes A/S.

Beer Making

The alpha-amylases of the invention may also be very useful in a beer-making process; the alpha-amylases will typically be added during the mashing process.

Detergent Compositions

The alpha-amylase of the invention may be added to and thus become a component of a detergent composition.

The detergent composition of the invention may for example be formulated as a hand or machine laundry detergent composition including a laundry additive composition suitable for pre-treatment of stained fabrics and a rinse added fabric softener composition, or be formulated as a detergent composition for use in general household hard surface cleaning operations, or be formulated for hand or machine dishwashing operations.

In a specific aspect, the invention provides a detergent additive comprising the enzyme of the invention. The detergent additive as well as the detergent composition may comprise one or more other enzymes such as a protease, a lipase, a peroxidase, another amylolytic enzyme, e.g., another alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, maltogenic amylase, CGTase and/or a cellulase mannanase (such as MANNAWAY™ from Novozymes, Denmark)), pectinase, pectine lyase, cutinase, and/or laccase.

In general the properties of the chosen enzyme(s) should be compatible with the selected detergent, (i.e., pH-optimum, compatibility with other enzymatic and non-enzymatic ingredients, etc.), and the enzyme(s) should be present in effective amounts.

Proteases: Suitable proteases include those of animal, vegetable or microbial origin. Microbial origin is preferred. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. The protease may be a serine protease or a metallo protease, preferably an alkaline microbial protease or a trypsin-like protease. Examples of alkaline proteases are subtilisins, especially those derived from Bacillus, e.g., subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, subtilisin 309, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 168 (described in WO 89/06279). Examples of trypsin-like pro-teases are trypsin (e.g., of porcine or bovine origin) and the Fusarium protease described in WO 89/06270 and WO 94/25583.

Examples of useful proteases are the variants described in WO 92/19729, WO 98/20115, WO 98/20116, and WO 98/34946, especially the variants with substitutions in one or more of the following positions: 27, 36, 57, 76, 87, 97, 101, 104, 120, 123, 167, 170, 194, 206, 218, 222, 224, 235 and 274.

Preferred commercially available protease enzymes include ALCALASE®, SAVINASE®, PRIMASE®, DURALASE®, ESPERASE®, and KANNASE® (from Novozymes A/S), MAXATASE®, MAXACAL, MAXAPEM®, PROPERASE®, PURAFECT®, PURAFECT OXP®, FN2®, FN3®, FN4® (Genencor International Inc.).

Lipases: Suitable lipases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful lipases include lipases from Humicola (synonym Thermomyces), e.g., from H. lanuginosa (T. lanuginosus) as described in EP 258 068 and EP 305 216 or from H. insolens as described in WO 96/13580, a Pseudomonas lipase, e.g., from P. alcaligenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes (EP 218 272), P. cepacia (EP 331 376), P. stutzeri (GB 1,372,034), P. fluorescens, Pseudomonas sp. strain SD 705 (WO 95/06720 and WO 96/27002), P. wisconsinensis (WO 96/12012), a Bacillus lipase, e.g., from B. subtilis (Dartois et al. (1993), Biochemica et Biophysica Acta, 1131, 253-360), B. stearothermophilus (JP 64/744992) or B. pumilus (WO 91/16422).

Other examples are lipase variants such as those described in WO 92/05249, WO 94/01541, EP 407 225, EP 260 105, WO 95/35381, WO 96/00292, WO 95/30744, WO 94/25578, WO 95/14783, WO 95/22615, WO 97/04079 and WO 97/07202.

Preferred commercially available lipase enzymes include LIPOLASE™ and LIPOLASE ULTRA™ (Novozymes A/S).

Amylases: Suitable amylases (alpha and/or beta) include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from Bacillus, e.g., a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail in GB 1,296,839. Examples of useful alpha-amylases are the variants described in WO 94/02597, WO 94/18314, WO 96/23873, and WO 97/43424, especially the variants with substitutions in one or more of the following positions: 15, 23, 105, 106, 124, 128, 133, 154, 156, 181, 188, 190, 197, 202, 208, 209, 243, 264, 304, 305, 391, 408, and 444.

Commercially available alpha-amylases are DURAMYL™, LlQUEZYME™ TERMAMY™, NATALASE™, FUNGAMYL™ and BAN™ (Novozymes A/S), RAPIDASE™ and PURASTAR™ (from Genencor International Inc.).

Cellulases: Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, e.g., the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Myceliophthora thermophila and Fusarium oxysporum disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307, U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,263, U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,178, U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,757 and WO 89/09259.

Especially suitable cellulases are the alkaline or neutral cellulases having colour care benefits. Examples of such cellulases are cellulases described in EP 0 49.5 257, EP 0 531 372, WO 96/11262, WO 96/29397, WO 98/08940. Other examples are cellulase variants such as those described in WO 94/07998, EP 0 531 315, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,046, U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,593, U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,254, WO 95/24471, WO 98/12307 and PCT/DK98/00299.

Commercially available cellulases include CELLUZYME®, and CAREZYME® (Novozymes A/S), CLAZINASE®, and PURADAX HA® (Genencor International Inc.), and KAC-500(B)® (Kao Corporation).

Peroxidases/Oxidases: Suitable peroxidases/oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful peroxidases include peroxidases from Coprinus, e.g., from C. cinereus, and variants thereof as those described in WO 93/24618, WO 95/10602, and WO 98/15257.

Commercially available peroxidases include GUARDZYME® (Novozymes A/S).

The detergent enzyme(s) may be included in a detergent composition by adding separate additives containing one or more enzymes, or by adding a combined additive comprising all of these enzymes. A detergent additive of the invention, i.e., a separate additive or a combined additive, can be formulated, e.g., granulate, a liquid, a slurry, etc. Preferred detergent additive formulations are granulates, in particular non-dusting granulates, liquids, in particular stabilized liquids, or slurries.

Non-dusting granulates may be produced, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,106,991 and 4,661,452 and may optionally be coated by methods known in the art. Examples of waxy coating materials are poly(ethylene oxide) products (polyethyleneglycol, PEG) with mean molar weights of 1000 to 20000; ethoxylated nonyl-phenols having from 16 to 50 ethylene oxide units; ethoxylated fatty alcohols in which the alcohol contains from 12 to 20 carbon atoms and in which there are 15 to 80 ethylene oxide units; fatty alcohols; fatty acids; and mono- and di- and triglycerides of fatty acids. Examples of film-forming coating materials suitable for application by fluid bed techniques are given in GB 1483591. Liquid enzyme preparations may, for instance, be stabilized by adding a polyol such as propylene glycol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid or boric acid according to established methods. Protected enzymes may be prepared according to the method disclosed in EP 238,216.

The detergent composition of the invention may be in any convenient form, e.g., a bar, a tablet, a powder, a granule, a paste or a liquid. A liquid detergent may be aqueous, typically containing up to 70% water and 0-30% organic solvent, or non-aqueous.

The detergent composition comprises one or more surfactants, which may be non-ionic including semi-polar and/or anionic and/or cationic and/or zwitterionic. The surfactants are typically present at a level of from 0.1% to 60% by weight.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 1% to about 40% of an anionic surfactant such as linear alkylbenzenesulfonate, alpha-olefinsulfonate, alkyl sulfate (fatty alcohol sulfate), alcohol ethoxysulfate, secondary alkanesulfonate, alpha-sulfo fatty acid methyl ester, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid or soap.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 0.2% to about 40% of a non-ionic surfactant such as alcohol ethoxylate, nonyl-phenol ethoxylate, alkylpolyglycoside, alkyldimethylamine-oxide, ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanol-amide, fatty acid monoethanolamide, polyhydroxy alkyl fatty acid amide, or N-acyl N-alkyl derivatives of glucosamine (“glucamides”).

The detergent may contain 0-65% of a detergent builder or complexing agent such as zeolite, diphosphate, tripho-sphate, phosphonate, carbonate, citrate, nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetri-aminepen-taacetic acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, soluble silicates or layered silicates (e.g. SKS-6 from Hoechst).

The detergent may comprise one or more polymers. Examples are carboxymethylcellulose, poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone), poly (ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinylpyridine-N-oxide), poly(vinylimidazole), polycarboxylates such as polyacrylates, maleic/acrylic acid copolymers and lauryl methacrylate/acrylic acid co-polymers.

The detergent may contain a bleaching system, which may comprise a H₂O₂ source such as perborate or percarbonate which may be combined with a peracid-forming bleach activator such as tetraacetylethylenediamine or nonanoyloxyben-zenesul-fonate. Alternatively, the bleaching system may comprise peroxyacids of, e.g., the amide, imide, or sulfone type.

The enzyme(s) of the detergent composition of the inven-tion may be stabilized using conventional stabilizing agents, e.g., a polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric acid, or a boric acid derivative, e.g., an aromatic borate ester, or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as 4-formylphenyl boronic acid, and the com-position may be formulated as described in, e.g., WO 92/19709 and WO 92/19708.

The detergent may also contain other conventional detergent ingredients such as e.g. fabric conditioners including clays, foam boosters, suds suppressors, anti-corrosion agents, soil-suspending agents, anti-soil re-deposition agents, dyes, bactericides, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, tarnish inhibitors, or perfumes.

It is at present contemplated that in the detergent compositions any enzyme, in particular the enzyme of the invention, may be added in an amount corresponding to 0.01-100 mg of enzyme protein per liter of wash liquor, preferably 0.05-5 mg of enzyme protein per liter of wash liquor, in particular 0.1-1 mg of enzyme protein per liter of wash liquor.

The enzyme of the invention may additionally be incorporated in the detergent formulations disclosed in WO 97/07202, which is hereby incorporated as reference.

Dishwash Detergent Compositions

The enzyme of the invention may also be used in dish wash detergent compositions, including the following:

1) POWDER AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Nonionic surfactant 0.4-2.5% Sodium metasilicate 0-20% Sodium disilicate 3-20% Sodium triphosphate 20-40% Sodium carbonate 0-20% Sodium perborate 2-9% Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) 1-4% Sodium sulphate 5-33% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1%

2) POWDER AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Nonionic surfactant 1-2% (e.g. alcohol ethoxylate) Sodium disilicate 2-30% Sodium carbonate 10-50% Sodium phosphonate 0-5% Trisodium citrate dihydrate 9-30% Nitrilotrisodium acetate (NTA) 0-20% Sodium perborate monohydrate 5-10% Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) 1-2% Polyacrylate polymer 6-25% (e.g. maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer) Enzymes 0.0001-0.1% Perfume 0.1-0.5% Water 5-10

3) POWDER AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Nonionic surfactant 0.5-2.0% Sodium disilicate 25-40% Sodium citrate 30-55% Sodium carbonate 0-29% Sodium bicarbonate 0-20% Sodium perborate monohydrate 0-15% Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) 0-6% Maleic acid/acrylic 0-5% acid copolymer Clay 1-3% Polyamino acids 0-20% Sodium polyacrylate 0-8% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1%

4) POWDER AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Nonionic surfactant 1-2% Zeolite MAP 15-42% Sodium disilicate 30-34% Sodium citrate 0-12% Sodium carbonate 0-20% Sodium perborate monohydrate 7-15% Tetraacetyl ethylene 0-3% diamine (TAED) Polymer 0-4% Maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer 0-5% Organic phosphonate 0-4% Clay 1-2% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1% Sodium sulphate Balance

5) POWDER AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Nonionic surfactant 1-7% Sodium disilicate 18-30% Trisodium citrate 10-24% Sodium carbonate 12-20% Monopersulphate (2 KHSO₅•KHSO₄•K₂SO₄) 15-21% Bleach stabilizer 0.1-2% Maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer 0-6% Diethylene triamine pentaacetate, 0-2.5% pentasodium salt Enzymes 0.0001-0.1% Sodium sulphate, water Balance

6) POWDER AND LIQUID DISHWASHING COMPOSITION WITH CLEANING SURFACTANT SYSTEM Nonionic surfactant 0-1.5% Octadecyl dimethylamine N-oxide dihydrate 0-5% 80:20 wt. C18/C16 blend of octadecyl dimethylamine 0-4% N-oxide dihydrate and hexadecyldimethyl amine N- oxide dihydrate 70:30 wt. C18/C16 blend of octadecyl bis 0-5% (hydroxyethyl)amine N-oxide anhydrous and hexadecyl bis (hydroxyethyl)amine N-oxide anhydrous C₁₃-C₁₅ alkyl ethoxysulfate with an average degree of 0-10% ethoxylation of 3 C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl ethoxysulfate with an average degree of 0-5% ethoxylation of 3 C₁₃-C₁₅ ethoxylated alcohol with an average degree of 0-5% ethoxylation of 12 A blend of C₁₂-C₁₅ ethoxylated alcohols with an 0-6.5% average degree of ethoxylation of 9 A blend of C₁₃-C₁₅ ethoxylated alcohols with an 0-4% average degree of ethoxylation of 30 Sodium disilicate 0-33% Sodium tripolyphosphate 0-46% Sodium citrate 0-28% Citric acid 0-29% Sodium carbonate 0-20% Sodium perborate monohydrate 0-11.5% Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) 0-4% Maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer 0-7.5% Sodium sulphate 0-12.5% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1%

7) NON-AQUEOUS LIQUID AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Liquid nonionic surfactant (e.g. alcohol ethoxylates) 2.0-10.0% Alkali metal silicate 3.0-15.0% Alkali metal phosphate 20.0-40.0% Liquid carrier selected from higher 25.0-45.0% glycols, polyglycols, polyoxides, glycolethers Stabilizer (e.g. a partial ester of phosphoric acid and a 0.5-7.0% C₁₆-C₁₈ alkanol) Foam suppressor (e.g. silicone) 0-1.5% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1%

8) NON-AQUEOUS LIQUID DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Liquid nonionic surfactant (e.g. alcohol ethoxylates) 2.0-10.0% Sodium silicate 3.0-15.0% Alkali metal carbonate 7.0-20.0% Sodium citrate 0.0-1.5% Stabilizing system (e.g. mixtures of finely divided 0.5-7.0% silicone and low molecular weight dialkyl polyglycol ethers) Low molecule weight polyacrylate polymer 5.0-15.0% Clay gel thickener (e.g. bentonite) 0.0-10.0% Hydroxypropyl cellulose polymer 0.0-0.6% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1% Liquid carrier selected from higher lycols, polyglycols, Balance polyoxides and glycol ethers

9) THIXOTROPIC LIQUID AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid 0-0.5% Block co-polymer surfactant 1.5-15.0% Sodium citrate 0-12% Sodium tripolyphosphate 0-15% Sodium carbonate 0-8% Aluminium tristearate 0-0.1% Sodium cumene sulphonate 0-1.7% Polyacrylate thickener 1.32-2.5% Sodium polyacrylate 2.4-6.0% Boric acid 0-4.0% Sodium formate 0-0.45% Calcium formate 0-0.2% Sodium n-decydiphenyl oxide disulphonate 0-4.0% Monoethanol amine (MEA) 0-1.86% Sodium hydroxide (50%) 1.9-9.3% 1,2-Propanediol 0-9.4% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1% Suds suppressor, dye, perfumes, water Balance

10) LIQUID AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION Alcohol ethoxylate 0-20% Fatty acid ester sulphonate 0-30% Sodium dodecyl sulphate 0-20% Alkyl polyglycoside 0-21% Oleic acid 0-10% Sodium disilicate monohydrate 18-33% Sodium citrate dihydrate 18-33% Sodium stearate 0-2.5% Sodium perborate monohydrate 0-13% Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) 0-8% Maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer 4-8% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1%

11) LIQUID AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING COMPOSITION CONTAINING PROTECTED BLEACH PARTICLES Sodium silicate 5-10% Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate 15-25% Sodium triphosphate 0-2% Potassium carbonate 4-8% Protected bleach particles, e.g. chlorine 5-10% Polymeric thickener 0.7-1.5% Potassium hydroxide 0-2% Enzymes 0.0001-0.1% Water Balance

-   11) Automatic dishwashing compositions as described in 1), 2), 3),     4), 6) and 10), wherein perborate is replaced by percarbonate. -   12) Automatic dishwashing compositions as described in 1)-6) which     additionally contain a manganese catalyst. The manganese catalyst     may, e.g., be one of the compounds described in “Effident manganese     catalysts for low-temperature bleaching”, Nature 369, 1994, pp.     637-639.     Uses

The present invention is also directed to methods for using an alpha-amylase variant of the invention in detergents, in particular laundry detergent compositions and dishwashing detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, and in composition for desizing of textiles, fabrics or garments, for production of pulp and paper, beer making, ethanol production, and starch conversion processes as described above.

Compositions

The invention also related to composition comprising a variant of the invention, and in a preferred embodiment also a B. stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (BSG), in particular a variant thereof.

In another embodient the composition comprises beside a variant of the invention a glucoamylase, in particular a glucoamylase originating from Aspergillus niger (e.g., the G1 or G2 A. niger AMG disclosed in Boel et al. (1984), “Glucoamylases G1 and G2 from Aspergillus niger are synthesized from two different but closely related mRNAs”, EMBO J. 3 (5), p. 1097-1102, or a variant therefore, in particular a variant disclosed in WO 00/04136 or WO 01/04273 or the Talaromyces emersonii AMG disclosed in WO 99/28448.

In an embodiment the composition of the invention also comprises a pullulanase, in particular a Bacillus pullulanase.

Materials and Methods

Materials

-   Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 and also     available from Novozymes A/S, Denmark. -   AA560: SEQ ID NO: 12; disclosed in WO 00/60060; deposited on 25,     Jan. 1999 at DSMZ and assigned the DSMZ no. 12649. -   LB medium (In 1 liter H₂O: 10 g bacto-tryptone, 5 g bacto-yeast     extract, 10 g NaCl, pH adjusted to 7.0 w. NaOH, autoclaved). -   TY agar plates (In 1 liter H₂O: 16 g bacto-tryptone, 10 g     bacto-yeast extract, 5 g NaCl, pH adjusted to 7.0 w. NaOH, and 15 g     bacto-agar is added prior to autoclaving). -   10% Lugol solution (Iodine/Potassium iodine solution; made by     10-fold dil. in H₂O of stock: Sigma Cat. no. L 6146). -   Bacillus subtilis SHA273: see WO 95/10603     Detergents

Model detergent: A/P (Asia/Pacific) Model Detergent has the following composition: 20% STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate), 25% Na₂SO₄, 15% Na₂CO₃, 20% LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, Nansa 80S), 5% C12-C15 alcohol ethoxylate (Dobanol 25-7), 5% Na₂Si2O₅, 0.3% NaCl.

-   Omo Multi Acao (Brazil), -   Omo concentrated powder (EU) (Unilever) -   Ariel Futur liquid (EU) (Procter and Gamble) -   Ariel Essential (EU) (Procter and Gamble)     Plasmids

pDN1528 contains the complete gene encoding Termamyl, amyL, the expression of which is directed by its own promoter. Further, the plasmid contains the origin of replication, ori, from plasmid pUB110 and the cat gene from plasmid pC194 conferring resistance towards chloramphenicol. pDN1528 is shown in FIG. 9 of WO 96/23874.

Methods

Filter Screening Assays

The below assays can be used to screening of Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variants having altered stability at high or low pH and/or under Ca²⁺ depleted conditions compared to the parent enzyme and Termamyl-like alpha-amylase.

High pH Filter Assay

Bacillus libraries are plated on a sandwich of cellulose acetate (OE 67, Schleicher & Schuell, Dassel, Germany)—and nitrocellulose filters (Protran-Ba 85, Schleicher & Schuell, Dassel, Germany) on TY agar plates with 10 micro g/ml kanamycin at 37° C. for at least 21 hours. The cellulose acetate layer is located on the TY agar plate.

Each filter sandwich is specifically marked with a needle after plating, but before incubation in order to be able to localize positive variants on the filter and the nitrocellulose filter with bound variants is transferred to a container with glycin-NaOH buffer, pH 8.6-10.6 and incubated at room temperature (can be altered from 10-60° C.) for 15 min. The cellulose acetate filters with colonies are stored on the TY-plates at room temperature until use. After incubation, residual activity is detected on plates containing 1% agarose, 0.2% starch in glycin-NaOH buffer, pH 8.6-10.6. The assay plates with nitrocellulose filters are marked the same way as the filter sandwich and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. After removal of the filters the assay plates are stained with 10% Lugol solution. Starch degrading variants are detected as white spots on dark blue background and then identified on the storage plates. Positive variants are rescreened twice under the same conditions as the first screen.

Low Calcium Filter Assay

Bacillus libraries are plated on a sandwich of cellulose acetate (OE 67, Schleicher & Schuell, Dassel, Germany)-and nitrocellulose filters (Protran-Ba 85, Schleicher & Schuell, Dassel, Germany) on TY agar plates with a relevant antibiotic, e.g., kanamycin or chloramphenicol, at 37° C. for at least 21 hours. The cellulose -acetate layer is located on the TY agar plate.

Each filter sandwich is specifically marked with a needle after plating, but before incubation in order to be able to localize positive variants on the filter and the nitrocellulose filter with bound variants is transferred to a container with carbonate/bicarbonate buffer pH 8.5-10 and with different EDTA concentrations (0.001 mM-100 mM). The filters are incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. The cellulose acetate filters with colonies are stored on the TY-plates at room temperature until use. After incubation, residual activity is detected on plates containing 1% agarose, 0.2% starch in carbonate/bicarbonate buffer pH 8.5-10. The assay plates with nitrocellulose filters are marked the same way as the filter sandwich and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. After removal of the filters the assay plates are stained with 10% Lugol solution. Starch degrading variants are detected as white spots on dark blue background and then identified on the storage plates. Positive variants are rescreened twice under the same conditions as the first screen.

Low pH Filter Assay

Bacillus libraries are plated on a sandwich of cellulose acetate (OE 67, Schleicher & Schuell, Dassel, Germany)—and nitrocellulose filters (Protran-Ba 85, Schleicher & Schuell, Dasseli Germany) on TY agar plates with 10 micro g/ml chloramphenicol at 37° C. for at least 21 hours. The cellulose acetate layer is located on the TY agar plate.

Each filter sandwich is specifically marked with a needle after plating, but before incubation in order to be able to localize positive variants on the filter, and the nitrocellulose filter with bound variants is transferred to a container with citrate buffer, pH 4.5 and incubated at 80° C. for 20 minutes (when screening for variants in the wild type backbone) or 85° C. for 60 minutes (when screening for variants of the parent alpha-amylase). The cellulose acetate filters with colonies are stored on the TY-plates at room temperature until use. After incubation, residual activity is detected on assay plates containing 1% agarose, 0.2% starch in citrate buffer, pH 6.0. The assay plates with nitrocellulose filters are marked the same way as the filter sandwich and incubated for 2 hours at 50° C. After removal of the filters the assay plates are stained with 10% Lugol solution. Starch degrading variants are detected as white spots on dark blue background and then identified on the storage plates. Positive variants are re-screened twice under the same conditions as the first screen.

Secondary Screening

Positive transformants after rescreening are picked from the storage plate and tested in a secondary plate assay. Positive transformants are grown for 22 hours at 37° C. in 5 ml LB+chloramphenicol. The Bacillus culture of each positive transformant and as a control a clone expressing the corresponding backbone are incubated in citrate buffer, pH 4.5 at 90° C. and samples are taken at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80 minutes. A 3 micro liter sample is spotted on an assay plate. The assay plate is stained with 10% Lugol solution. Improved variants are seen as variants with higher residual activity (detected as halos on the assay plate) than the backbone. The improved variants are determined by nucleotide sequencing.

Stability Assay of Unpurified Variants

Bacillus cultures expressing the variants to be analysed are grown for 21 hours at 37° C. in 10 ml LB+chloramphenicol. 800 micro liter culture is mixed with 200 micro I citrate buffer, pH 4.5. A number of 70 micro I aliquots corresponding to the number of sample time points are made in PCR tubes and incubated at 70° C. or 90° C. for various time points (typically 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes) in a PCR machine. The 0 min sample is not incubated at high temperature. Activity in the sample is measured by transferring 20 micro I to 200 micro I of the alpha-amylase PNP-G₇ substrate MPR3 ((Boehringer Mannheim Cat. no. 1660730) as described below under “Assays for Alpha-Amylase Activity”. Results are plotted as percentage activity (relative to the 0 time point) versus time, or stated as percentage residual activity after incubation for a certain period of time.

Fermentation and Purification of Alpha-Amylase Variants

A B. subtilis strain harbouring the relevant expression plasmid is streaked on a LB-agar plate with 10 micro g/ml kanamycin from −80° C. stock, and grown overnight at 37° C. The colonies are transferred to 100 ml PS-1 media supplemented with 10 micro g/ml chloamphinicol in a 500 ml shaking flask.

Composition of PS-1 medium:

Pearl sugar 100 g/l Soy Bean Meal 40 g/l Na₂HPO₄, 12 H₂O 10 g/l Pluronic ™ PE 6100 0.1 g/l CaCO₃ 5 g/l The culture is shaken at 37° C. at 270 rpm for 5 days.

Cells and cell debris are removed from the fermentation broth by centrifugation at 4500 rpm in 20-25 minutes. Afterwards the supernatant is filtered to obtain a completely clear solution. The filtrate is concentrated and washed on a UF-filter (10000 cut off membrane) and the buffer is changed to 20 mM Acetate pH 5.5. The UF-filtrate is applied on a S-sepharose F.F. and elution is carried out by step elution with 0.2M NaCl in the same buffer. The eluate is dialysed against 10 mM Tris, pH 9.0 and applied on a Q-sepharose F.F. and eluted with a linear gradient from 0-0.3M NaCl over 6 column volumes. The fractions that contain the activity (measured by the Phadebas assay) are pooled, pH was adjusted to pH 7.5 and remaining color was removed by a treatment with 0.5% W/vol. active coal in 5 minutes.

Stability Determination of Purified Variants

All stability trials of purified variants are made using the same set up. The method is as follows:

The enzyme is incubated under the relevant conditions (1-4). Samples are taken at various time points, e.g., after 0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes and diluted 25 times (same dilution for all taken samples) in assay buffer (0.1M 50 mM Britton buffer pH 7.3) and the activity is measured using the Phadebas assay (Pharmacia) under standard conditions pH 7.3, 37° C.

The activity measured before incubation (0 minutes) is used as reference (100%). The decline in percent is calculated as a function of the incubation time. The table shows the residual activity after, e.g., 30 minutes of incubation.

Specific Activity Determination

The specific activity is determined using the Phadebas® assay (Pharmacia) as activity/mg enzyme. The manufactures instructions are followed (see also below under “Assay for Alpha-Amylase Activity”).

Determination of Isoelectric P Int

The pI is determined by isoelectric focusing (ex: Pharmacia, Ampholine, pH 3.5-9.3).

Stability Determination

The amylase stability is measured using the method as follows:

The enzyme is incubated under the relevant conditions. Samples are taken at various time points, e.g., after 0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes and diluted 25 times (same dilution for all taken samples) in assay buffer (0.1 M 50 mM Britton buffer pH 7.3) and the activity is measured using the Phadebas assay (Pharmacia) under standard conditions pH 7.3, 37° C.

The activity measured before incubation (0 minutes) is used as reference (100%). The decline in percent is calculated as a function of the incubation time. The table shows the residual activity after, e.g., 30 minutes of incubation.

Measurement of the Calcium- and pH-Dependent Stability

Normally industrial liquefaction processes runs using pH 6.0-6.2 as liquefaction pH and an addition of 40 ppm free calcium in order to improve the stability at 95° C.-105° C. Some of the herein proposed substitutions have been made in order to improve the stability at

-   1. lower pH than pH 6.2 and/or -   2. at free calcium levels lower than 40 ppm free calcium.

Two different methods can be used to measure the alterations in stability obtained by the different substitutions in the alpha-amylase in question:

Method 1. One assay which measures the stability at reduced pH, pH 5.0, in the presence of 5 ppm free calcium.

10 micro g of the variant are incubated under the following conditions: A 0.1 M acetate solution, pH adjusted to pH 5.0, containing 5 ppm calcium and 5% w/w common corn starch (free of calcium). Incubation is made in a water bath at 95° C. for 30 minutes.

Method 2. One assay, which measure the stability in the absence of free calcium and where the pH is maintained at pH. 6.0. This assay measures the decrease in calcium sensitivity:

10 micro g of the variant were incubated under the following conditions: A 0.1 M acetate solution, pH adjusted to pH 6.0, containing 5% w/w common corn starch (free of calcium). Incubation was made in a water bath at 95° C. for 30 minutes.

Oxidation Stability Determination

Raw filtered culture broths with different vatiants of the invention are diluted to an amylase activity of 100 KNU/ml (defined above) in 50 mM of a Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 9.0 and incubated at 40° C. Subsequently H₂O₂ is added to a concentration of 200 mM, and the pH value is re-adjusted to 9.0. The activity is now measured after 15 seconds and after 5, 15, and 30 minutes. The absorbance of the resulting blue solution, measured spectrophotometrically at 620 nm, is a function of the alpha-amylase activity.

Washing Performance

Washing performance is evaluated by washing soiled test swatches for 15 and 30 minutes at 25° C. and 40° C., respectively; at a pH in the range from 9-10.5; water hardness in the range from 6 to 15° dH; Ca:Mg ratio of from 2:1 to 4:1, in different detergent solutions (see above as described above in the Materials section) dosed from 1 to 5 g/l, such as 3 g/l, dependent on the detergent with the alpha-amylase variant in question.

The recombinant alpha-amylase variant is added to the detergent solutions at concentrations of for instance 0.01-5 mg/l. The test swatches aree soiled with orange rice starch (CS-28 swatches available from CFT, Center for Test Material, Holland).

After washing, the swatches are evaluated by measuring the remission at 460 nm using an Elrepho Remission Spectrophotometer. The results are expressed as DeltaR=remission (°R of the swatch washed with the alpha-amylase minus the remission of a swatch washed at the same conditions without the alpha-amylase.

Assays for Alpha-Amylase Activity

1. Phadebas Assay

Alpha-amylase activity is determined by a method employing Phadebas® tablets as substrate. Phadebas tablets (Phadebas® Amylase Test, supplied by Pharmacia Diagnostic) contain a cross-linked insoluble blue-colored starch polymer, which has been mixed with bovine serum albumin and a buffer substance and tabletted.

For every single measurement one tablet is suspended in a tube containing 5 ml 50 mM Britton-Robinson buffer (50 mM acetic acid, 50 mM phosphoric add, 50 mM boricacid, 0.1 mM CaCl₂, pH adjusted to the value of interest with NaOH). The test is performed in a water bath at the temperature of interest. The alpha-amylase to be tested is diluted in x ml of 50 mM Britton-Robinson buffer. 1 ml of this alpha-amylase solution is added to the 5 ml 50 mM Britton-Robinson buffer. The starch is hydrolyzed by the alpha-amylase giving soluble blue fragments. The absorbance of the resulting blue solution, measured spectrophotometrically at 620 nm, is a function of the alpha-amylase activity.

It is important that the measured 620 nm absorbance after 10 or 15 minutes of incubation (testing time) is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 absorbance units at 620 nm. In this absorbance range there is linearity between activity and absorbance (Lambert-Beer law). The dilution of the enzyme must therefore be adjusted to fit this criterion. Under a specified set of conditions (temp., pH, reaction time, buffer conditions) 1 mg of a given alpha-amylase will hydrolyze a certain amount of substrate and a blue colour will be produced. The colour intensity is measured at 620 nm. The measured absorbance is directly proportional to the specific activity (activity/mg of pure alpha-amylase protein) of the alpha-amylase in question under the given set of conditions.

2. Alternative Method

Alpha-amylase activity is determined by a method employing the PNP-G₇ substrate. PNP-G₇ which is a abbreviation for p-nitrophenyl-alpha,D-maltoheptaoside is a blocked oligosaccharide which can be deaved by an endo-amylase. Following the cleavage, the alpha-Glucosidase included in the kit digest the substrate to liberate a free PNP molecule which has a yellow colour and thus can be measured by visible spectophometry at λ=405 nm (400-420 nm). Kits containing PNP-G₇ substrate and alpha-Glucosidase is manufactured by Boehringer-Mannheim (cat. No.1054635).

To prepare the reagent solution 10 ml of substrate/buffer solution is added to 50 ml enzyme/buffer solution as recommended by the manufacturer. The assay is performed by transferring 20 micro I sample to a 96 well microtitre plate and incubating at 25° C. 200 micro I reagent solution pre-equilibrated to 25° C. is added. The solution is mixed and pre-incubated 1 minute and absorption is measured every 30 sec. over 4 minutes at OD 405 nm in an ELISA reader.

The slope of the time dependent absorption-curve is directly proportional to the activity of the alpha-amylase in question under the given set of conditions.

Determination of LAS Sensitivity

The variant is incubated with different concentrations of LAS (linear alkyl benzene sulphonate; Nansa 1169/P) for 10 minutes at 40° C.

-   The residual activity is determined using the Phadebas® assay method     or the alternative method employing the PNP-G₇ substrate. -   LAS is diluted in 0.1 M phosphate buffer pH 7.5.     The following concentrations are used: -   500 ppm, 250 ppm, 100 ppm, 50 ppm, 25 ppm, and 10 ppm on no LAS. -   The variant is diluted in the different LAS buffers to concentration     of 0.01-5 mg/l in a total volume of 10 ml and incubated for 10     minutes in a temperature controlled water bath. The incubation is     stopped by transferring a small aliquat into cold assay buffer. It     is important that during activity measurement the LAS concentration     is below 1 ppm, in order not to affect the activity meassurement. -   Then the residual activity is determined in duplicate using the     above mentioned Phadebas® assay or alternative method. -   The activity is measured after subtraction of the blank. -   The activity with no LAS is 100%.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Construction of Variants of the Invention and Determination of Altered Properties

The below listed variants are constructed as described in EXAMPLE 1 of WO 00/29560 (from Novozymes A/S) in the parent Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8.

-   G5A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T6A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   G36A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I37A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T38A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   A39R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I42A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A45R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K47A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D63A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E66A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q69A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K70A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G71A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T72A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   R74A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T75A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   K76A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T79A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   E82A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L83A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A86R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I87A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S89A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   R93A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T112A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   E113A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A117R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V120A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   A137R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K213A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G216A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A220R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L223A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L225A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D226A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G227A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R229A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D243A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V245A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   F279A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S282A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T311A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   V321A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   V324A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   L352A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T353A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   R354A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G357A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V361A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   F362A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G364A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G368A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A390R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A395R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G397A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q399A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H400A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D401A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A425R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D451A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I452A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T453A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   G466A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G468A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F470A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H471A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S478A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V -   L7A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,Y,V; -   M8C; -   Q9A,R,N,D,C,G,H,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F11A,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E12A,R,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G19A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H21A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W22A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   L25A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L32A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V40A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   W41A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   Y46A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   G48R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,K,M,F,P,W,Y; -   G55A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G57R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,K,M,P,W; -   A58R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,S,T,W,Y; -   D60A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y77A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   I95A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V97A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   Y98A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   G99R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D100A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V101A,N,C,Q,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,Y; -   V102N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y; -   I103A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,M,P,S,W,Y; -   H105A,N,C,Q,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   G107R,N,D,Q,E,H,K,M,F,P,W,Y; -   V115R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   V118R,N,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   I135A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T139A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   F141A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F143A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   S151A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,T,Y,V; -   H159A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   F160A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D161A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G162A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T163A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   D166A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y175A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   F177A,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D183A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V186A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   S187A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   N192A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A199R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D200A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D202A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y203A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P; -   V208A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   I212A,N,C,Q,G,H,M,P,S,T,V; -   W215A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   Y219A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   F228A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L230A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V233R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y; -   I236A,C,Q,G,H,M,P,S,T,V; -   F238A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F240A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L241A,N,C,Q,G,H,P,S,T,V; -   W244A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   V248A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   M256C; -   T258A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   V259A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y; -   A260R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   Y262A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   L270A,N,C,Q,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y273A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P; -   L274A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T277A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,W,Y,V; -   H281A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V283A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   F284A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   D285A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V286A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   P287R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L288A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H289A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F292A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A295R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S296A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   M304C; -   L307A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V312A,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   V313A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   S320R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T322R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   F323A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D325A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N326A,R,C,Q,E,G,M,P,S,T,W; -   H327A,R,C,G,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T329A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   P331N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V339A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   F343A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   K344A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L346A,R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A347R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A349R,N,D,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F350A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   P359R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q360N,D,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T369A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   I377A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L380A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,P,S,W,Y,V; -   I387A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   V409N,C,Q,E,G,H,M,P,S,T,W,Y; -   G410A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W411A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   T412R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   G423A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L424A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A426R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L427A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,Y,V; -   I428A,N,D,Q,E,G,H,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   T429A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I ,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   D430A,R,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; 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-   K234A,D,C,G,H,I,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H235A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K237A,G,H,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   S239G,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,Y,V; -   R242G,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N246A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H247R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   R249A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E250A,R,N,D,C,H,I,L,K,M,P,T,W,Y,V; -   K251R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T252A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   G253R,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   K254A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E255A,R,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   F257A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E261A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W263A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   N265C,Q,E,H,I,L,M,F,P,W; -   D266A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L267A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G268A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A269N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E271A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N272A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N275A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   K276A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N278A,R,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N280A,R,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Y290W; -   Q291A,R,N,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H293A,R,N,G,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,V; -   A294R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   T297A,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   Q298G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G299A,H,M,P,S,T; -   G300A,C,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   G301N,Q,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y302R,M,P,W; -   D303R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R305G,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K306Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L308A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N309Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G310A,R,N,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S314A,D,C,E,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   K315A,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H316A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   P317R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   L318A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,K,P,S,W,Y,V; -   K319A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D328A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G332A,R,N,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q333A,N,D,C,G,I,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   S334R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,F,P,W,Y; -   L335R,D,C,Q,E,H,I,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   E336A,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S337A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   T338A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   Q340I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T341A,R,D,C,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,W,Y,V; -   W342R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   P345R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,T,W,Y,V; -   E355A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y358A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   Y363A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   K370A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G371A,N,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S373A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,T,W,Y,V; -   Q374A,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R375A,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   E376A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   P378R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A379R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   K381A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   K389A,D,C,G,H,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q393A,N,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y394A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   Y396A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   A398R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,W,Y,V; -   Y402R,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   F403A,R,N,Q,G,H,I,L,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D404R,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   H405R,G,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   H406A,R,G,I,M,F,P,Y,V; -   D407A,R,Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   I408A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,K,M,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R413A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E414A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G415A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   D416A,R,N,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S417A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   S418A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   V419A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   A420N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N421A,R,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S422A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   G431A,R,N,Q,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   P432G,H,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G433A,R,N,Q,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G434A,R,N,Q,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A435Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   K436A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R437A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Y439A,R,D,C,G,K,M,P,W; -   R442A,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   Q443A,R,N,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N444A,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   A445R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G446A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   E447A,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   T448A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,W,Y,V; -   H450A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,V; -   G454A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N455A,R,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R456A,D,C,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S457A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,W,Y,V; -   E458A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   P459R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,S,W,Y,V; -   V460A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y; -   V461A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,W,Y; -   N463A,R,D,C,Q,E,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S464A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   E465A,R,N,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   W467A,R,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,Y,V; -   E469A,R,N,D,C,Q,G,H,I,L,K,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   N473Q,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   G474A,R,H,I,L,M,F,P,W,Y,V; -   G475A,N,Q,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V; -   S476G,H,I,L,M,F,P,T,W,Y,V; -   Q482A,N,D,C,G,H,I,L,M,F,S,T,W,Y,V; -   R483A,N,D,C,Q,E,G,H,I,L,M,F,P,S,T,W,Y,V.

The variants are tested for altercd substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH activity profile, pH stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca²⁺ dependency, reduced LAS sensitivity, reduced and increased pI and improved wash performance, and specific activity as described in the “Materials & Methods” section above.

Example 2 Construction of Variants of the Invention and Determination of Altered Properties

The below listed variants are constructed as described in EXAMPLE 1 of WO 00/37626 (from Novozymes A/S) in the parent Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8. The alterations of the variants are, as specified in the list below, insertion of an amino acid downstream of the amino acid which occupies the position, or deletion of the amino acid which occupies the position.

-   A1 insertion; -   L3 insertion; -   N4 insertion; -   N17 insertion; -   D18 insertion; -   Q20 insertion; -   R23 insertion; -   R24 insertion; -   D28 insertion; -   Y56 insertion; -   L61 insertion or deletion; -   Y62 insertion; -   F67 insertion or deletion; -   H68 insertion; -   K80 insertion or deletion; -   G81 insertion or deletion; -   Q84 insertion; -   S85 insertion; -   H91 insertion or deletion; -   S92 insertion or deletion; -   K106 insertion or deletion; -   D110 insertion or deletion; -   D114 deletion; -   E119 insertion or deletion; -   D121 insertion; -   P122 insertion; -   A123 insertion; -   D124 insertion; -   R125 insertion; -   N126 insertion; -   R127 insertion; -   I129 insertion; -   G131 insertion; -   L134 insertion; -   K136 insertion; -   N172 insertion; -   E185 insertion; -   L196 insertion or deletion; -   P206 insertion or deletion; -   T217 insertion; -   W218 insertion; -   D231 insertion or deletion; -   A232 insertion or deletion; -   H235 insertion or deletion; -   N246 insertion; -   H247 insertion; -   R249 insertion; -   K251 insertion; -   F257 insertion or deletion; -   N278 insertion; -   G310 insertion or deletion; -   H316 insertion; -   P317 insertion; -   D328 insertion or deletion; -   G332 insertion or deletion; -   E355 insertion or deletion; -   Y358 insertion; -   Y363 insertion; -   Y367 insertion; -   K370 insertion; -   S373 insertion; -   R375 insertion; -   E376 insertion; -   K381 insertion; -   H382 insertion; -   R391 insertion or deletion; -   Y396 insertion; -   R413 insertion or deletion; -   E414 insertion or deletion; -   G415 insertion or deletion; -   D416 insertion; -   S417 insertion; -   S418 insertion; -   V419 insertion; -   A420 insertion; -   N421 insertion; -   S422 insertion or deletion; -   Y439 insertion; -   A445 insertion or deletion; -   G446 insertion or deletion; -   T448 insertion or deletion; -   H450 insertion; -   G454 insertion or deletion; -   N455 insertion; -   E458 insertion; -   P459 insertion; -   V460 insertion; -   V461 insertion; -   N463 insertion; -   S464 insertion; -   E465 insertion; -   W467 insertion; -   L7 insertion or deletion; -   M8 insertion; -   Y10 insertion; -   F11 insertion; -   E12 insertion or deletion; -   M15 insertion; -   G19 insertion; -   H21 insertion; -   W22 insertion; -   L25 insertion; -   V40 insertion or deletion; -   W41 insertion; -   P43 insertion or deletion; -   P44 insertion or deletion; -   Y46 insertion; -   G55 insertion; -   Y59 insertion; -   Y77 insertion; -   G78 insertion or deletion; -   L90 insertion or deletion; -   I95 insertion; -   V97 insertion; -   Y98 insertion; -   G99 insertion; -   D100 insertion; -   V101 insertion; -   V102 insertion; -   H105 insertion or deletion; -   A109 insertion or deletion; -   V115 insertion or deletion; -   V118 insertion or deletion; -   I135 insertion; -   T139 insertion or deletion; -   F141 insertion or deletion; -   Y195 insertion; -   V208 insertion or deletion; -   W215 insertion; -   Y219 insertion; -   I236 insertion or deletion; -   F238 insertion or deletion; -   F240 insertion or deletion; -   W244 insertion; -   V248 insertion; -   M256 insertion; -   T258 insertion or deletion; -   V259 insertion or deletion; -   V312 insertion or deletion; -   V313 insertion or deletion; -   S320 insertion; -   T322 insertion or deletion; -   F323 insertion or deletion; -   D325 insertion or deletion; -   N326 insertion; -   H327 insertion or deletion; -   Q330 insertion or deletion; -   P331 insertion or deletion; -   Y348 insertion; -   A349 insertion or deletion; -   F350 insertion or deletion; -   P359 insertion or deletion; -   Q360 insertion; -   D365 insertion or deletion; -   M366 insertion; -   T369 insertion; -   I377 insertion; -   I384 insertion or deletion; -   L388 insertion or deletion; -   G423 insertion or deletion; -   L424 insertion or deletion; -   M438 insertion; -   G441 insertion or deletion; -   W449 insertion; -   I462 insertion; -   I479 insertion or deletion; -   Y480 insertion; -   V481 insertion or deletion.

The variants are tested for altered substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH activity profile, pH stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca²⁺ dependency, reduced and increased pI and improved wash performance, specific activity as described in the “Materials & Methods” section above. 

1. An isolated variant alpha-amylase, wherein the variant alpha-amylase has a degree of sequence identity of at least 95% to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 13, the variant comprising an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to positions of SEQ ID NO: 8 selected from the group consisting of 79, 86, 112, 113, 229, 245, 279, 352, 357, 368, 390, 399, 400, 401, 425, 470, 471, and 478, wherein (a) the alteration(s) are independently (i) an insertion of an amino acid downstream of the amino acid which occupies the position, (ii) a deletion of the amino acid which occupies that position, or (iii) a substitution of the amino acid which occupies the position with a different amino acid; and (b) the variant has alpha-amylase activity.
 2. The variant of claim 1, wherein the variant has a degree of sequence identity of at least 96% to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, or
 13. 3. The variant of claim 1, wherein the variant has a degree of sequence identity of at least 97% to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8,10,12, or
 13. 4. The variant of claim 1, wherein the variant has a degree of sequence identity of at least 98% to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, or
 13. 5. The variant of claim 1, wherein the variant has a degree of sequence identity of at least 99% to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8,10,12, or
 13. 6. A detergent composition comprising an alpha-amylase variant according to claim 1 and a surfactant.
 7. The detergent composition of claim 6, further comprising another enzyme selected from the group consisting of protease, lipase, peroxidase, another amylolytic enzyme, glucoamylase, maltogenic amylase, CGTase, mannanase, cutinase, laccase and cellulase.
 8. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 79. 9. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 86. 10. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 112. 11. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 113. 12. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 229. 13. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 245. 14. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 279. 15. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 352. 16. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 357. 17. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 368. 18. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 390. 19. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 399. 20. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 400. 21. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 401. 22. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 425. 23. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 470. 24. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 471. 25. A variant alpha-amylase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the variant comprises an alteration at position
 478. 26. A purified variant alpha-amylase, wherein the variant alpha-amylase has a degree of sequence identity of at least 95% to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 13, the variant comprising an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to positions of SEQ ID NO: 8 selected from the group consisting of 79, 86, 112, 113, 229, 245, 279, 352, 357, 368, 390, 399, 400, 401, 425, 470, 471, and 478, wherein (a) the alteration is a substitution of the amino acid which occupies the position with a different amino acid; and (b) the variant has alpha-amylase activity. 